South Africa has lost a dedicated steward of its democracy with the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, a veteran of South Africa’s liberation struggle and a lifelong servant of the people.
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SOUTH Africa has lost a dedicated steward of its democracy; a giant tree has fallen.
Today, South Africa notes with sadness the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, a veteran of South Africa’s liberation struggle and a lifelong servant of the people who dedicated the majority of his life to the pursuit of justice and democracy.
“From his formative years in the fight against apartheid to his service as cabinet minister and ANC chair in democratic South Africa, he remained a principled and steadfast advocate for accountability and the strengthening of our democratic institutions,” Bosa spokesperson Roger Solomons said in a statement this week.
The 77-year-old — as noted by Motor Industry Staff Association (Misa) chief executive, operations, Martlé Keyter — served in numerous senior positions in the democracy.
Keyter described Lekota as a fearless freedom fighter who was imprisoned with President Nelson Mandela in 1985, while his nickname “Terror” was thanks to his playing style on the soccer field. Yet, “he was as sharp as a razor, disciplined and principled. He always had time for a joke”.
Under President Thabo Mbeki, Lekota served as Minister of Defence for almost a decade and was tasked with consolidating the post-apartheid military. He also expanded South Africa's peacekeeping role in Africa, supporting the African Union (AU) agenda.
His enduring commitment to deepening democracy was further demonstrated in his work on electoral reform; Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane worked closely with Lekota on shared efforts to advance this cause, co-sponsoring the “Direct Elections Bill” in 2021.
This Bill sought to change South Africa’s electoral landscape by introducing a constituency-based system whereby MPs are accountable directly to voters instead of a political party.
In that work, Lekota demonstrated his enduring commitment to ensuring that South Africa’s electoral system better reflects the will of its people, read Solomons’s statement. “His willingness to collaborate across political and generational lines spoke to his belief that the country must always come before party or political persuasion.”
Lekota left the ANC in 2008 to form Congress of the People (Cope). The party won 7% of the overall national vote in its first election. However, the conflict between Lekota as President and Mbhazima Samuel Shilowa as Deputy-President divided the party, and it never recovered from that.
Both Bosa and Misa extended their sincerest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were positively affected by his leadership and service.
South Africa has lost a patriot who never stopped believing in the promise of our Constitution and the power of ethical leadership. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who were positively affected by his leadership and service.
“May his legacy continue to inspire a new generation to serve with both courage and conviction. Rest In Peace, Ntate Lekota.”