Mosiuoa Lekota
Mosiuoa Lekota is a South African politician and the founder and president of the Congress of the People (COPE), a position he has held since the party's establishment in 2008. He is a South African national who has been a prominent figure in the country's political landscape for several decades. Lekota rose to prominence during the anti-apartheid struggle, serving as a student leader and later spending time on Robben Island as a political prisoner alongside Nelson Mandela. After South Africa's transition to democracy in 1994, he joined the African National Congress (ANC) government and held several senior positions, including premier of the Free State province from 1994 to 1996 and Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008. His political career took a significant turn when he broke away from the ANC in 2008, citing concerns over the direction of the party under Jacob Zuma's leadership. He founded COPE as an alternative political home for disaffected ANC members and voters seeking a centrist, democratic alternative. Under his leadership, COPE initially attracted significant support but has since struggled to maintain electoral momentum in subsequent national and provincial elections. Lekota remains active in South African politics, frequently commenting on governance, constitutional matters and the state of democracy in the country. He is known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and his commitment to constitutional principles. His political journey from anti-apartheid activist to ANC minister to opposition leader reflects the complex evolution of South African politics in the post-apartheid era.
Mosiuoa Lekota Updates
Mosiuoa Lekota honoured with Official Funeral 
By: Thabi Shomolekae 6th March 2026 Congress of the People (COPE) co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on March 14, in his home town... →
President Ramaphosa declares Special Official Funeral Category 2 to honour former Minister Lekota
6th March 2026 President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that the late former Minister of Defence and leader of the Congress of the People (COPE) Mr Mosiuoa Gerard... →
FW de Klerk Foundation Pays Tribute to the Life and Legacy of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota
5th March 2026 The FW de Klerk Foundation notes with sadness the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota and extends its sincere condolences to his family, colleagues... →
Daily Podcast – March 04, 2026
By: Halima Frost 4th March 2026 Making headlines: Tributes pour in for Mosiuoa Lekota; South Africa offers to mediate in Middle East conflict if asked; And, South African... →
International relations committee sends condolences to the family on the passing of
4th March 2026 The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, Mr Supra Mahumapelo, sends his condolences to the family,... →
DA Leader Steenhuisen sends condolences to COPE following the passing of Co-founder and Leader Mosiuoa Lekota
4th March 2026 The Democratic Alliance (DA) notes with deep sadness the passing of Mosiuoa Lekota, leader of the Congress of the People (COPE). On behalf of the... →
Tributes pour in for Mosiuoa Lekota
By: Thabi Shomolekae 4th March 2026 “South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter, and a servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with the country’s journey... →
Mosiuoa Lekota, who led breakaway from ANC, dies at 77
By: Reuters 4th March 2026 South African anti-apartheid activist Mosiuoa Lekota, who broke away from the African National Congress (ANC) to found a new political party, died... →
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