COPE co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota has died

Congress of the People (COPE) leader and co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota has passed away.

COPE announced that Lekota died on Wednesday morning, 4 March 2026 after long illness.

“The Congress of the People (COPE) confirms with deep sadness the passing of its President, Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, earlier today after a period of illness.

“The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes. The party will issue regular media statements to inform the nation about developments,” said the party in a statement.

He died at the age of 77, after battling illness.

Lekota stepped back from politics last year to focus on his health after the party revealed that he was fighting an undisclosed illness.

Lekota served as the Minister of Defence in South Africa from 1999 to 2008. He previously served as the Premier of the Free State after the country’s first fully democratic elections in 1994.

COPE EXPRESSES ITS CONDOLENCES TO THE LEKOTA FAMILY 

The party expressed sadness over Lekota’s passing and acknowledged his service as a committed leader.

“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,” the party said in a statement.

The party said memorial arrangements and tributes will be communicated in due course.

This is a developing story.