SA mourns Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota

President Cyril Ramaphosa this week led tributes to Congress of the People (Cope) co-founder Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota, who died aged 77 years after a long illness.

- Lunga Mzangwe

Lauded: The late Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota dedicated his life to the struggle. Photo: David Harrison

(David Harrison)

Lekota died early on Wednesday morning surrounded by his loved ones, his eldest son and family spokesperson Kotana Lekota said.

Ramaphosa lauded Lekota for having dedicated his youth and adult life to the struggle for liberation, saying in a statement: “South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter and a servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with our journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy.”

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

“We deeply value his service to his home province where he served as premier and to our armed forces and our national security, in his role as minister of defence.”