President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, the late former Minister of Defence and co-founder of the Congress of the People, will receive a Special Official Funeral Category 2.
Image: Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers
President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late former Minister of Defence and Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Ramaphosa said Lekota, who served the nation as a struggle activist, inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premier of the Free State, Minister of Defence, and co-founder of COPE, passed away on March 4, at the age of 77.
Lekota’s death was confirmed by COPE.
Deputy leader Teboho Loate said the Lekota family had requested privacy during this difficult time.
“The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes,” Loate said.
“The party will be issuing media statements regularly to inform the nation about developments.”
Loate added that details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes would be communicated in due course.
Ramaphosa expressed his deep condolences to Lekota’s family, the Congress of the People, and Lekota’s comrades across the political spectrum.
He paid tribute to Lekota as “a patriot, freedom fighter, and servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with our journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy.”
“We honour him especially for his principled dedication to non-racialism during our struggle and in a liberated South Africa.”
“We deeply value his service to his home province, where he served as Premier and to our Armed Forces and our national security, in his role as Minister of Defence,” Ramaphosa said.
Reflecting the nation’s appreciation, Ramaphosa announced that Lekota will be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 2, which will take place in Bloemfontein on March 14, 2026.
The funeral will feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ramaphosa has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from Saturday morning, March 7, 2026, until the evening of the funeral on March 14, 2026.
Several former ministers, including Tito Mboweni, Pravin Gordhan, Sibusiso Bengu and Membathisi Mdladlana, were also accorded state funerals.
Messages of condolences continue to pour in from across the country, with political parties and politicians expressing sympathies to Lekota’s family.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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