Amidst a sea of mourners, the funeral service for struggle stalwart and former leader of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota is underway at the Grey Sports Ground in Bloemfontein. The somber atmosphere is a reflection of the immense impact Lekota had on the political landscape of South Africa.
As the nation bids farewell to a true hero, it is evident that Lekota’s legacy will continue to live on. The Grey Sports Ground, a place where Lekota spent many of his formative years, is a fitting location for his final farewell. It is a place that holds significant meaning not just for the Lekota family, but for the entire community of Bloemfontein.
Friends, family, and dignitaries from across the country have gathered to pay their respects to a man who dedicated his life to the liberation of his people. Lekota’s journey began in the small town of Kroonstad, where he was born in 1948. He later moved to Bloemfontein, where he attended Grey College and developed his passion for politics.
It was during his time at Grey College that Lekota’s political consciousness was awakened. He became actively involved in the anti-apartheid movement and joined the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) while studying at the University of the North. It was here that he met fellow struggle icons Steve Biko and Barney Pityana, who would have a profound influence on his life.
Lekota’s unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom and equality saw him being arrested and detained several times by the apartheid government. However, this did not deter him from his mission. He continued to fight tirelessly for the rights of his people and was eventually released from prison in 1989.
After the unbanning of political parties in 1990, Lekota joined the African National Congress (ANC) and played a crucial role in negotiations for a democratic South Africa. He was elected to the National Executive Committee of the ANC and served as the party’s Secretary-General from 1997 to 2007.
In 2008, Lekota left the ANC to form the Congress of the People (COPE) in protest against the party’s direction under President Jacob Zuma. He believed that the ANC had strayed from its core values and principles and could no longer be the vehicle for true liberation.
Lekota’s decision to break away from the ANC was met with both praise and criticism, but he remained steadfast in his convictions. He continued to serve the people of South Africa through his leadership of COPE and as a Member of Parliament.
Today, as we gather to say our final goodbyes to Lekota, we are reminded of his unwavering courage, integrity, and dedication to the struggle. He was a man of principle, who never wavered in the face of adversity. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations to fight for justice and equality.
As we mourn his passing, let us also celebrate the life of a true hero. Lekota’s contributions to the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa will never be forgotten. His legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the history of our nation.
The funeral service at the Grey Sports Ground is a fitting tribute to a man who spent much of his life fighting for the rights of his people. It is a reminder that Lekota’s journey started here, in the heart of Bloemfontein, and has now come full circle.
We bid farewell to a great man, but his spirit and legacy will continue to guide us as we strive towards a better, more just South Africa. Rest in peace, ‘Terror’ Lekota. Your memory will forever be cherished and your legacy will continue to inspire us.
