By Mapaballo Borotho
- COPE founder Mosioua Lekota has died at the age of 77 following a long illness.
- He passed away in a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
- Lekota previously served as Minister of Defence and Premier of the Free State.
Leader and founder of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mosioua Lekota, has died at the age of 77. He passed away at a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 04 March 2026.
COPE confirmed the tragic news, adding that his death comes after a long illness, in the presence of his family.
Last August, Lekota stepped back from politics to focus on his health. At the time, the party confirmed he was unwell as he continued to battle an undisclosed illness.
“The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and the media to respect the family’s wishes. Further details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes will be communicated in due course,” the party said in a statement.
Lekota served as Minister of Defence from 1999 to 2008. He also served as Premier of the Free State after the country’s first fully democratic elections in 1994.
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