The South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) has learned with deep sadness of the passing of Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, a veteran of the liberation struggle, former political prisoner, and long-standing participant in South Africa’s democratic life.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and colleagues in the Congress of the People (COPE), as well as to all those in the broader democratic movement who worked alongside him over many decades of struggle.
Comrade Lekota’s life cannot be understood outside the broader traditions of the African National Congress (ANC) and the United Democratic Front (UDF). He belonged to a generation that carried the enormous burden of confronting apartheid at great personal cost. Like many leaders of that generation, he endured imprisonment on Robben Island for his role in the struggle for freedom and justice.
His political journey was intertwined with the powerful mass democratic movement that emerged in the 1980s through the UDF. That movement brought together civic organisations, churches, youth, women’s organisations and trade unions in a united front against apartheid tyranny. Among the towering leaders of that historic formation were figures such as Archie Gumede, Albertina Sisulu, Frank Chikane, Popo Molefe, Murphy Morobe, Cheryl Carolus, Beyers Naudé, Allan Boesak, Trevor Manuel, Mewa Ramgobin, Terror Lekota, and many others who mobilised millions in communities across the country.
Together, they helped build the internal resistance that ultimately made apartheid ungovernable.
Comrade Lekota later served in various leadership roles in government and the ANC after 1994. History will also record the political moment that led him, alongside others, to break from the ANC and form COPE in 2008. That rupture was rooted in the intense political crisis triggered by the recall of President Thabo Mbeki and the rise of Jacob Zuma to the leadership of the ANC.
Whether one agreed or disagreed with that decision, it reflected Lekota’s conviction that South Africa’s democracy required internal debate, accountability, and adherence to constitutional principles. His stance during that turbulent period will be assessed by history within the broader context of the evolving democratic project.
It is also a matter of record that the new formation, COPE, which initially generated enormous hope among many South Africans, was tragically weakened by internal divisions and factional struggles that buried the project at a very early stage of its life.
Comrade Lekota remained throughout his life a committed democrat who believed deeply in constitutional governance and open political contestation. While he was often regarded as a conservative voice even within the standards of the ANC tradition, this should not overshadow his immense contribution to the liberation struggle and to the shaping of South Africa’s democratic discourse.
SAFTU recognises that the liberation movement was built by people of diverse ideological traditions who nonetheless shared a common commitment to ending apartheid and building a democratic South Africa. Comrade Lekota formed part of that broad historic current.
For his sacrifices, his years of imprisonment, his participation in the UDF-led mass democratic struggle, and his long service in public life, the people of South Africa remain indebted to him.
As the country reflects on his life, we hope that this moment will also encourage renewed appreciation for the collective generation of leaders who helped bring democracy to South Africa and who paid a heavy personal price for that freedom.
May his family, friends and comrades find strength during this difficult time.
May his soul rest in peace.
A statement was issued on behalf of SAFTU by the General Secretary, Zwelinzima Vavi.
For media inquiries, contact the National Spokesperson at
Newton Masuku
newtonm@saftu.org.za
0661682157
Media Officer
Asive Dyani
0719019564
