Tributes for political stalwart, father figure Mosiuoa Lekota

STRUGGLE stalwart, Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, who died yesterday morning at the age of 77, was a father figure to his comrades and someone who loved to tell jokes.

- BONGANI HANS

This was despite the challenges of leading the Congress of the People (Cope), which in recent years has struggled to grow support.

This was revealed by Cope’ acting president Teboho Loate in reaction to the passing of Lekota, who was the party’s founding president.

Loate said the former ANC national chairperson and Defense Minister, who was born on 13 August 1948 in Kroonstad, Free State was a family man who adored his wife Cynthia and their six children.

He obtained name “Terror’ when he was a soccer player.

According to the government website, Lekota was premier of the Free State province from 1994 until 1996. He was also the ANC chairperson from 1997 to 1999.

“I spent many moments with him and his family and I became a member of his family.

“When I spent those moments of friendship with him, it was quite interesting, he was full of jokes and you would get an opportunity to learn more about his views regarding politics.

“He loved his family and he was more like a father to me,’ said Loate.