By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: David Harrison.
The late former Minister of Defence and founding President of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mosiuoa Patrick Gerard “Terror” Lekota has been laid to rest in Phahameng, Bloemfotein.
Dignitaries including former Presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe were among those who attended the funeral service.
In honour of his contribution to South Africa’s liberation struggle and democratic development, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that he will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle and former Premier of the Free State and inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, passed away on Wednesday, 04 March 2026, at the age of 77.
Lekota dedicated his life to the struggle for freedom and democracy. As a member of the South African Students’ Organisation and a leading figure in the United Democratic Front (UDF), he played a significant role in mobilising communities against apartheid.
Speakers included Popo Molefe, Trevor Manuel, and Fikile Mbalula, who praised his role in the liberation struggle and in democratic South Africa.
“He was like a bulldog,” Molefe said of the hothead politico who finished his secondary education at St Francis College in Mariannhill, a Catholic school whose former pupils included Robert Mugabe and Steve Biko.
“Terror was brave and he would not relent to what he was doing. From time to time, we would say to him thats’ it’s time to stop. We’d tell him to go home and see his family and children at him.”
Manuel said Lekota was a man whose life reached beyond party politics.
“We gather to take leave of the giant-hearted Lekota,” Manuel said. He was giant-hearted in every respect, and when a giant heart leaves, it offers us an opportunity to reflect on their life, but also to peer into our collective hearts as a nation.”
Mbalula said Lekota’s life was shaped by prison cells and political struggle.
“Through prison cells and relentless political struggle, he was among those who refused to surrender the hope that one day South Africa will belong to all who live in it,” Mbalula said.
“It has taken from us a soldier of our liberation struggle. It has silenced the voice that spoke firmly in defense of justice and democratic values.
“But death cannot erase the contribution of a life dedicated to the emancipation of others.”
Lekota was imprisoned on Robben Island for eight years alongside struggle leaders, including Tata Nelson Mandela.
In the democratic era, Lekota served as the first Premier of the Free State (1994–1996), the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (1997–1999), and Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008.
The President has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations until the evening of his funeral.
Delivering the eulogy, deputy president Paul Mashatile said Lekota’s life was lived in pursuit of a better SA, marked by honesty, integrity, and courage.
“Terror Lekota understood that leaders are transient, but the congress as an ideal of unity and justice is eternal.
“He knew the measure of a leader is not how long he holds office, but how faithfully he serves the covenant of congress.”
Draped in the South African flag, the coffin carrying the remains of Lekota was escorted to his final resting place by the South African Police Service (SAPS) Ceremonial Unit. Lekota is survived by his wife, Cynthia Lekota, and his children.