Remembering Terror Lekota: a steadfast voice in SA’s Struggle for freedom

1 FIRST met Terror Lekota in the 1970s at the then Himalaya Hotel in Durban.

- 

Mosiuoa Lekota

It was a South African Student Organisation (Saso) cultural evening. I cannot recall him speaking that evening, but his presence has become an abiding memory because that is the impact he had with his warmth, his genuine engagement, and of course, that defining gap toothed smile.He loved people without reservation. At that time we were all part of the Black Consciousness Movement.

Many years later, he was briefly hosted (I recall it was a little more liquid than just tea) at my maternal grandparent’s home in Albersville, Port Shepstone, opposite the hall where he had just addressed a political meeting.

His enthusiasm, and what one journalist had called exuberance, was simply infectious.

A relatively traditional Indian home, he won over the entire family and left them inspired.

Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota (nicknamed “Terror” because of his football skills) was born to working class parents in Kroonstad in 1948 where he did his early schooling.

Soon a strong KwaZulu-Natal bond was to emerge. He matriculated at St Francis College, Mariannhill, Durban (another historic contribution by the religious sector to the development of our education, in this instance the Catholic Church).

He later studied at the University of the North and became active in the Saso, becoming the full-time organiser.

In 1974, he was arrested with others for organising celebrations of the independence of Mozambique.

He was charged under the Terrorism Act, found guilty and sentenced to six years' imprisonment on Robben Island.