Ex-defence minister, once jailed on Robben Island, dies

South Africa’s former defence minister and anti-apartheid activist Mosiuoa Lekota has died at age seventy-seven. His party, Congress of the People, confirmed he died following a period of illness. President Cyril Ramaphosa praised Lekota as a freedom fighter and devoted servant of the people.
He said Lekota showed resilience, courage, and an unwavering belief in justice throughout his life.
Lekota spent decades in politics, shaping South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy.
He earned respect for both his activism and his later service in government. Supporters across the country mourned a leader who dedicated his life to public service.

Lekota played a significant role in the struggle against the apartheid system in South Africa. Authorities jailed him on Robben Island alongside future president Nelson Mandela during the apartheid era. He spent several years imprisoned after police arrested him under apartheid-era security laws. After his release, he continued organising resistance through political activism and community leadership. He also helped lead the United Democratic Front, which united many groups opposing racial segregation nationwide. The movement coordinated protests, campaigns, and political mobilisation against the apartheid government. His activism made him one of the prominent voices demanding equality and democratic change.

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Former defence minister who broke from ANC

Following apartheid’s collapse, Lekota rose to senior leadership within the African National Congress.
He became the first premier of the Free State province after South Africa established democratic rule in 1994. Later he served as national chairperson of the party for a decade. Lekota also headed the defence ministry from 1998 until 2008. His long tenure made him one of the country’s longest-serving cabinet ministers. He earned the nickname “Terror” for his impressive football skills during his youth. Colleagues often praised his discipline, political commitment, and energetic personality.

Lekota left the ANC in 2008 after the party removed then president Thabo Mbeki. He criticised the party’s direction and raised concerns about corruption among some leaders. Together with former premier Mbhazima Shilowa, he founded the Congress of the People political party. Both leaders had been close political allies of Mbeki before leaving the ANC. The new party initially gained strong support in the 2009 national elections. It won thirty parliamentary seats and emerged as a notable opposition force. However, internal leadership disputes later weakened the party’s electoral support.

In later years, Lekota gradually withdrew from public life because of declining health. His party announced last August that he stepped back while receiving treatment. Doctors treated him for an undisclosed illness that increasingly limited his activities. Friends and former colleagues continued visiting him during his final months. Former minister Trevor Manuel described Lekota as an extraordinary and deeply committed South African patriot. He recalled visiting a seriously ill Lekota in intensive care weeks before his death. Manuel said the veteran leader fought bravely throughout a long and difficult illness.

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