Politics

COPE Founder Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota Dies at Age 77

Published 4 Mar 2026

by Tebogo Mokwena reviewed by Kelly Lippke

3 min read

Mosiuoa "Terror "Lekota, who is the founder of the Congress of the People (COPE), has died after a short illness
The party confirmed that Lemota, who resigned from politics in 2025, had been battling with his health and passed away on 4 March
Lekota was a senior member of the African National Congress during the era of former President Thabo Mbeki, but broke away to form COPE

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Tebogo Mokwena, affiliated with Briefly News, covered local and international politics, political analysis, and interviews in South Africa for Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News during his 10 years of experience.

The founder of the Congress of the People, Mosiuoa Lekota, has died — COPE mourned the death of its founder, Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota. Image: Rajesh Jantilal/ AFP via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

GAUTENG — The Congress of the People (COPE) has confirmed that Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota, the party's founder, died on 4 March 2026.

According to News24, Lekota, who resigned from politics the previous year, had been battling with his health since he left politics. The party confirmed that Lekota died after a period of illness and said the family requested privacy during this time.

Tributes pour in for Lekota

The Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, told Newzroom Afrika that he worked closely with Lekota. He conveyed his condolences to the Lekota family and COPE. He said that when Lekota was released from Robben Island in 1982, Motsoaledi was the president of the Student Representative Council at the then University of Natal's Medical School. Motsoaledi said the SRC was eager to hear news about Robben Island and craved for information about whether Nelson Mandela was real.

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi conveyed his condolences to the family of Terror Lekota — Dr Aaron Motsoaledi fondly remembered Terror Lekota. Image: Albin Lohr-Jones/Pacific Press/LightRocket via Getty Images
Source: Getty Images

"People like Terror Lekota were very valuable to us. He came and addressed us, and it was very interesting. In the evening, we called the campus activists to sit with him. Later on, he was appointed as the Communication Secretary of the United Democratic Front," he said.

Motsoaledi described Lekota as a powerful and charismatic speaker. He added that he was the African National Congress's national chairperson for two terms until his departure. He remarked that he was close to him.

What did netizens say?

South Africans on X conveyed their condolences to Lekota's family.

P_MAX said:

"Mosiuoa Lekota will be remembered as a liberation veteran who later took the bold step of leaving the ANC to co-found COPE. For a moment, COPE showed that South African politics could be reshaped by leaders willing to challenge the dominant order."

Dolby wa Moroka remarked:

"We'll remember you for your bravery to liberate South Africans!"

Mnini added:

"He told us who Cyril Ramaphosa is and what he stands for. RIP Ntate Mosiuoa Lekota."

Greatness lauded him.

"The man who lifted the curtain and exposed a sellout who collaborated with the Apartheid government to send comrades to Robben Island."

Mhlengsah mused:

"I hope he died having forgiven those who wronged him at the ANC."

3 Briefly News articles about politicians who died

The former Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Pravin Gordhan, passed away on 13 September 2024 after battling a short illness. He died in the hospital, surrounded by family and friends.
The former Deputy President, David Mabuza, died at the age of 64 on 3 July 2025. DD, as he was known, died in a hospital in Sandton.
The former Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, and diplomat, Nathi Mthethwa, was found dead at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Paris, France, on 30 September 2025. It's believed that he jumped from the 22nd floor to his death.