A leader who chose principle over popularity
Struggle icon Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota was a leader whose unwavering dedication to justice and service to ordinary South Africans defined his entire political career, Deputy President Paul Mashatile declared at the veteran's funeral on Saturday.
Speaking at the Special Official Funeral Category 2 ceremony held at the Old Grey Sports Club in Bloemfontein, Mashatile — who delivered the eulogy on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa — praised the former Defence Minister as a man of rare courage who never shied away from speaking uncomfortable truths.
"Ntate Lekota was a man who told the truth, even when it was uncomfortable. He did not chase popular acclaim; he chased justice. His integrity was not for sale, nor was his commitment to the downtrodden found wavering. He believed that the true measure of our liberation was not in the opulence of the few but in the dignity of the poor."
Lekota died on 4 March 2026 at the age of 77. Mashatile described him as a towering figure in the country's liberation history, whose political path intersected with many of the most significant chapters of South Africa's journey to democracy. Beginning his activism during the 1970s through the South African Students' Organisation (SASO), Lekota became a forceful advocate for Black Consciousness and rallied communities in opposition to the apartheid regime. He was subsequently incarcerated on Robben Island alongside numerous fellow liberation leaders, among them former President Nelson Mandela.
"From his youth, through the United Democratic Front and into government, his journey was marked by sacrifice and service."
From premier to defence chief — a career of democratic service
Following the dawn of democracy, Lekota took office as the inaugural Premier of the Free State from 1994 to 1996, where he was instrumental in building the province's first democratically elected administration. He went on to become the founding chairperson of the National Council of Provinces before being appointed Minister of Defence, a portfolio he held from 1999 to 2008. During that period, Mashatile noted, Lekota was pivotal in moulding a defence force dedicated to safeguarding democratic values and promoting peace rather than serving as a tool of state oppression.
The Deputy President also acknowledged Lekota's role in establishing the Congress of the People (COPE), characterising him as a politician who never strayed from his principles regardless of political pressures. Lekota consistently reminded those in power that democracy demanded integrity, constant vigilance and a genuine commitment to uplifting the lives of everyday citizens, Mashatile said.
"He was clear that corruption robs the poor, inequality divides the nation, and unemployment steals hope. He challenged us to confront these realities with honesty and courage, and to govern not for ourselves but for the millions who look to democracy as a promise of a better life."
Mashatile observed that Lekota's passing during Human Rights Month should serve as a moment of collective introspection on the nation's progress in tackling persistent challenges such as inequality, unemployment and gender-based violence. He said the late leader's contributions to universal suffrage, the expansion of housing and healthcare, the opening of classrooms and the rollout of social grants represented an indelible legacy etched into the milestones of South Africa's young democracy.
Lekota's passing removes one of the last direct links between South Africa's liberation struggle and its current democratic framework, prompting reflection on whether the values he championed — accountability, anti-corruption, and service to the poor — remain central to governance. His consistent calls to address inequality and unemployment resonate as the country continues grappling with these structural challenges. How future leaders honour his legacy of principled dissent may shape public trust in democratic institutions for years ahead.
