BY TANA MALINGA
South Africa will bid farewell to veteran politician and struggle stalwart Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota at a Special Official Funeral Category 2 scheduled for Saturday, 14 March 2026 in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
President Cyril Ramaphosa announced that the state will honour Lekota with this official funeral category in recognition of his significant contribution to the country’s liberation struggle and democratic government. National flags across the country will also fly at half-mast until the day of the funeral as a mark of respect.
Lekota passed away on 4 March 2026 at the age of 77 after a long illness. Over several decades, he played an important role in South Africa’s political history, serving in a number of senior leadership positions.
During his career, Lekota served as Premier of the Free State, later becoming the first Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) when South Africa’s democratic Parliament was established in 1994. He also served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008, helping to guide the transformation of the country’s defence structures during the early democratic years.
Later in his political journey, he became a founding leader of the Congress of the People (COPE), where he continued to play a visible role in national politics.
Tributes have continued to pour in from political leaders, civil society and citizens, many describing Lekota as a dedicated freedom fighter and committed public servant.
The funeral in Bloemfontein is expected to draw political leaders, struggle veterans and members of the public, who will gather to honour one of the country’s long-serving figures in the fight for democracy.
