Anti-apartheid stalwart and founder of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mosiuoa Lekota, has died at 77, marking the end of an era for South African politics and sparking reflections on democratic governance across the continent.
Mosiuoa Lekota, the prominent South African political figure known affectionately as “Terror,” has passed away at the age of 77. Having stepped back from active political life in 2025 due to failing health, his demise closes a significant chapter in the post-apartheid political landscape.
For East Africa, Lekota’s political journey—from a leading African National Congress (ANC) liberation fighter to a formidable opposition leader—serves as a critical case study in the evolution of liberation movements into democratic, accountable governance structures. His transition reflects the broader challenges many African nations face in maintaining multi-party democracy after attaining freedom.
A Legacy Forged in the Anti-Apartheid Struggle
Lekota earned his nickname “Terror” not on the battlefield, but on the soccer pitch, though it aptly described his fierce commitment to dismantling the apartheid regime. Born in Kroonstad in 1948, he became deeply involved in the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO), succeeding Steve Biko as its leader. His relentless activism led to his imprisonment on Robben Island, where he served time alongside Nelson Mandela and other giants of the liberation struggle.
In the crucial transitional years, Lekota emerged as a vital leader within the United Democratic Front (UDF) and later the ANC. He served as the Premier of the Free State province and subsequently held the heavy responsibility of Minister of Defence under President Thabo Mbeki. For Kenyan observers monitoring regional security and defence protocols, Lekota’s tenure as Defence Minister was marked by efforts to integrate former liberation fighters into a professional, constitutional military apparatus.
The Birth of COPE and Opposition Politics
The turning point in Lekota’s career came in 2008 following the ANC’s recall of President Thabo Mbeki. Disillusioned with the internal machinations and the rise of Jacob Zuma, Lekota, alongside Mbhazima Shilowa, took the unprecedented step of breaking away from the liberation movement to form the Congress of the People (COPE).
The establishment of COPE was a seismic event in South African politics, initially capturing over 1 million votes (approximately 7.4%) in the 2009 general elections. This breakaway offered a template for political pluralism that reverberated across borders, resonating in countries like Kenya where political realignments and party defections are a staple of the democratic process.
- 1948: Born in Kroonstad, Free State.
- 1974: Imprisoned on Robben Island for anti-apartheid activities.
- 1999: Appointed Minister of Defence.
- 2008: Resigned from the ANC to found COPE.
- 2025: Retired from active politics citing health concerns.
Lessons for East African Democracies
Lekota’s eventual struggles to maintain COPE’s momentum—marred by internal factionalism and dwindling electoral support in subsequent years—offer a cautionary tale. Political analysts in Nairobi point to COPE’s trajectory as evidence of the difficulties faced by splinter parties in sustaining grassroots machinery against entrenched, dominant parties.
However, Lekota’s insistence on constitutionalism over party loyalty remains a powerful legacy. At a time when East African nations grapple with the consolidation of democratic institutions and the rule of law, Lekota’s willingness to challenge the very movement he helped build underscores the importance of principled opposition.
“His contribution to the dismantling of apartheid and his subsequent courage to hold the ruling party accountable will be recorded as a testament to his enduring commitment to democracy,” read a statement from regional observers. As the continent mourns, the focus shifts to how the next generation of African leaders will uphold the democratic ideals Lekota championed throughout his life.
