Ramaphosa reflects on Mosiuoa Lekota’s legacy

PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa has said he was in contact with the family of former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota with regard to his funeral arrangements.

- BONGANI HANS

The president was one of many political figures who have expressed their sadness at the death of the Congress of the People (Cope) leader on Tuesday morning.

Lekota, 77, in a Joburg hospital after a long illness.

Addressing the media on Tuesday, Ramaphosa said he had visited the Lekota family to pass his condolences.

“We will be talking to his family to see how best they would like to have everything arranged with regard to his burial,” said Ramaphosa without indicating whether he was considering a state funeral.

Several former ministers, including Tito Mboweni, Pravin Gordhan, Sibusiso Bengu, and Membathisi Mdladlana, were given state funerals.

Ramaphosa and Lekota's relationship dates back to their university days. They were both expelled from the unnamed institution at the time due to their political activism.