Lekota leaves a ‘mixed bag’ legacy, says analyst

Political commentator, Goodenough Mashego, says the late politician Mosiuoa Lekota will be remembered for many aspects of his life, describing it as a “mixed bag.”

Mashego says his passing comes at a time when South Africa is navigating a very difficult transitional period and struggling to define itself within the global community.

The 77-year-old politician died this morning at a hospital in Midrand.

Lekota left the ANC in 2008 and refused to serve under former President Jacob Zuma, following Thabo Mbeki’s resignation, and co-founded the breakaway party COPE with Mbhazima Shilowa.

A veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle, Lekota served as South Africa’s Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008 under Mbeki’s administration.

He also served as the ANC’s National Chairperson before becoming the first Premier of the Free State between 1994 and 1996. Lekota was also the inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces from 1997 to 1999.

Mashego says some will remember Lekota for his stance on denying apartheid.

“But there are those that will choose to remember him for his UDF days, there are those that will choose to remember him for the divisive politics that he led in the first state  and some for the stewardship of the point of defence when he was there, because that’s the time when the national defence for society peaks.”

“Some will remember him for denying the rights of Palestinians to have their own  homeland, even though Nelson Mandela said that Saddam’s liberation is incomplete  without the liberation of Palestine.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa extended his condolences, saying South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a servant of the people.

“His life was one of resilience, courage, and steadfast belief in justice,” Ramaphosa said. “We honour him especially for his principled dedication to non-racialism during our struggle and in a liberated South Africa.”

Ramaphosa says Lekota was instrumental in the establishment of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), which added a new dimension of democratic inclusion to our parliamentary system and ensured communities all over our country could be heard and represented in the national legislature.

He added that the veteran will be remembered for his patriotism, intellect and personable nature.

Mosiuoa Terror Lekota and I have a long history of political activism. He was a committed South African who loved his country and I will continue to honour him. My deepest condolences go to his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/GsC70Cg5HN

— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) March 4, 2026

Other political parties have extended their condolences, with Rize Mzansi leader, Songezo Zibi, saying Lekota will be remembered for his principled positions.

“Many will remember him for the political positions he held, but we should most prominently remember him for his principled positions, even in the face of criticism and humiliation.”

DA Leader in the Free State, Roy Jankielsohn, described Lekota as a gentleman politician who will be remembered for his lifelong and unwavering quest to build a non-racial and inclusive constitutional democracy in South Africa.

“Lekota’s legacy of Ubuntu is visible through the political tolerance, communal consensus-seeking and humility that he embraced and that is still valued in the Free State.”

Labour Federation, Cosatu, described Lekota as a much-loved figure.

National spokesperson, Zanele Sabela, says the nation is indebted to this giant of the liberation struggle.

“Lekota will be missed for his prolific oratory. The political sphere will be that much muted without his distinctive voice. South Africa is forever indebted for his dedication to the struggle and the sacrifices he was forced to make on the path to freedom.”

Tributes continue to pour in online, as South Africans remember the veteran politician.

I have just received the sad news of the passing of Mosiuoa Lekota, the president of Cope. No doubt it is a difficult moment for his family and his party. The family has requested privacy during this difficult time. We should give them space to grief. May his soul rest in peace.

— Mbhazima Shilowa (@Enghumbhini) March 4, 2026

🕊️We extend our condolences to the family, friends and comrades of liberation veteran Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota.

Hamba kahle, Terror Lekota. pic.twitter.com/JeHbS8mWHX

— Kathrada Foundation (@KathradaFound) March 4, 2026

The EFF’s Statement on the Passing of Mosioua Lekota

-His political life reflected both the unity forged in the struggle against apartheid, the divisions that emerged in the democratic era over the direction of the country, and the necessity of strong robust opposition politics. pic.twitter.com/qV4Rfffgpn

— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) March 4, 2026

Nelson Mandela Foundation mourns the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota.

Full statement below #MosiuoaLekota #NelsonMandelaFoundation pic.twitter.com/8w6sNgEgh2

— NelsonMandela (@NelsonMandela) March 4, 2026

Here are some of Lekota’s moments in Parliament: