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South Africa woke up to the news of the passing of Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota (77), one of the struggle icons in the country on 4 Wednesday, leaving the country and his party in deep mourning following a period of illness.
Messages of condolences continue to pour in for the struggle titan and political parties have set their differences aside and took time to pass their heartfelt condolences to the Lekota family.
Lekota was a member of the African National Congress (ANC) before forming his breakaway party Congress of the People (COPE). The ANC has also extended its condolences to the Lekota family and said his passing marks the departure of a figure whose life intersected with important moments in the history of the country and the struggle for freedom.
“As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and the Human Rights Month, we state unequivocally that Mr. Lekota has an indelible footprint in these milestones, and regrettably, as a coincidence of history, passes on these significant calendar days of our rich history.
The ANC extends its condolences to the Lekota family, the liberation movement, the COPE and the people of South Africa on the passing of a compatriot who shaped the course of history. May his soul rest in peace,” said Mahlengi Bengu the Spokesperson of the ANC.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) also added its voice in the messages of condolences, describing him as patriot and a man of substance.
“On behalf of the DA, I extend our heartfelt condolences to Mr Lekota’s family, friends, colleagues, and the entire COPE membership during this difficult time.
Mr Lekota was a patriot and a man of substance. One need not always have agreed with him to appreciate his dedication to our country’s success. From his activism on the ground to Robben Island to democratic politics, he dedicated all he had to give to the service of the South African people,” said John Steenhuisen, Leader of the DA.
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) also extended their condolences to the family describing Lekota as a long-serving public representative and political figure in democratic South Africa.
“His political life reflected both the unity forged in the struggle against apartheid, the divisions that emerged in the democratic era over the direction of the country, and the necessity of strong robust opposition politics.
The EFF acknowledges his years as a liberation activist and political prisoner, as well as his service in various public offices. We extend our condolences to his family, friends, former comrades and the country at large,” said Sinawo Thambo, the Spokesperson of the EFF.
Build One South Africa (BOSA) Leader Mmusi Maimane described Mosiuoa Lekota as an incredible human being who was passionate about the constitution, he quoted one of Lekota’s favourite phrases or question, “but what about the constitution?”
“I send my deep condolences to his family, to his party, to his former party the African National Congress. May his soul rest in peace.
The measure of a person’s life is not the number of years they lived, it’s the contribution they have made to society and Ntate Lekota has done an incredible service to our nation, and to the people of our country. My deep, deep condolences; a Morena a boleke setjhaba sa heso, and I am sending my love to the family, God bless you,” said Maimane.
