COPE leader Mosiuoa Lekota died at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours on Wednesday morning, the party has confirmed.
“The Congress of the People confirms with deep sadness the passing of its president, Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, earlier today after a period of illness,” the party said in a statement.
The Lekota family have requested privacy during this “difficult time”.
“On behalf of the leadership, membership and supporters of COPE, we extend our deepest condolences to the Lekota family and all South Africans who mourn this loss,” COPE said.
Lekota, who was born in 1948 in the Free State, was a veteran politician, anti-apartheid activist, Robben Island prisoner and former ANC leader. He previously served as defence minister and Free State premier for the ANC.
President Ramaphosa said: “South Africa has lost a patriot, a freedom fighter and a servant of the people whose life story is closely intertwined with our journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy.
“His life was one of resilience, courage and steadfast belief in justice.
“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.
“He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Council of Provinces, which added a new dimension of democratic inclusion to our parliamentary system and ensured communities all over our country could be heard and represented in our national legislature.
“His establishment of the Congress of the People reflected his commitment to the values and principles by which he had lived, and it added to the diversity of choices presented to the electorate as our democracy matured.
“We will remember Mosiuoa for his patriotism, his intellect and his personable nature, and we will continue to work for the inclusive, nonracial South Africa for which he sacrificed so much and worked so passionately.”
Rise Mzansi’s Songezo Zibi referred to “Ntate Terror” as a politician and leader of the people.
“He was fondly and commonly known as ‘Terror’, a moniker he gained as a young soccer player. Many will remember him for the political positions he held, but we should most prominently remember him for his principled positions, even in the face of criticism and humiliation.
“In reminding us of our mission, he profoundly stated, ‘We seek to restore the dignity of our people and the integrity of our politics. We want a government that serves the people, not a government that serves itself,’” Zibi said.
DA leader John Steenhuisen remembered Lekota as a patriot and man of substance.
“One need not always have agreed with him to appreciate his dedication to our country’s success. From his activism on the ground to Robben Island to democratic politics, he dedicated all he had to give to the service of the South African people.
“He contributed immensely to our democratic parliament, and remained a steadfast advocate for constitutionalism, accountability and the rule of law. This cost him more than many realise. He could have been a lifelong cadre, a beneficiary of rot and patronage. All he had to do was keep quiet.
“But he chose a different path, a more difficult one. He showed courage and inspired many, myself and many of my DA friends and colleagues included.
“His commitment to principled politics and his willingness to stand firm in defence of democratic values earned him respect across the political spectrum,” Steenhuisen said.
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