A memorial service for late Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota will be held at Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Moroka, Soweto, on Wednesday.
Image: Picture: Motshwari Mofokeng
The memorial service of late former Defence Minister and Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota will be held on Wednesday at Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Moroka, Soweto.
Family spokesperson Dennis Bloem said: "People from all walks of life, from different political backgrounds and religious faiths, will be gathering in Soweto to celebrate the life of a brave freedom fighter."
The memorial service will take place at Regina Mundi Catholic Church on Wednesday, March 11, from 12 pm to 3 pm
Lekota died on March 4 at the age of 77 after a period of illness.
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 previously said.
“The party will issue media statements regularly to inform the nation about developments.”
Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, March 14, 2026.
Ramaphosa said Lekota served the nation as a struggle activist, the inaugural chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, premier of the Free State, minister of defence and co-founder of COPE.
He expressed deep condolences to Lekota’s family, the Congress of the People and his 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,” Ramaphosa said.
“We deeply value his service to his home province, where he served as premier, and to our armed forces and national security in his role as minister of defence.”
Reflecting the nation’s appreciation, Ramaphosa announced that Lekota will be accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in Bloemfontein on March 14.
The funeral will include ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Ramaphosa also directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from Saturday, March 7, until the evening of the funeral on March 14.
Several former ministers, including Tito Mboweni, Pravin Gordhan, Sibusiso Bengu and Membathisi Mdladlana, were also accorded state funerals.
simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za
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