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Mosiuoa Lekota was remembered as a towering figure of South Africa’s liberation struggle

Mashatile honours Mosiuoa Lekota as a giant who carried the torch of freedom

Known for speaking truth to power, Lekota’s contributions to democracy, education and social development have left an indelible mark on South Africa’s journey toward equality and dignity for all citizens

  • Sheree Bega
7 min read

Mourners gather in Bloemfontein to honour struggle veteran Mosiuoa Lekota

Political leaders and mourners gather in Bloemfontein to honour Mosiuoa Lekota, remembered for fierce convictions, humility, and a lifelong commitment to ordinary South Africans

  • Kibo Ngowi
2 min read
Jobrg Mayor Dada Morero speaking. A memorial service is underway in Soweto for late politician and struggle stalwart, Mosiuoa Lekota. The 77-year-old anti-apartheid activist died last week after a long illness. In the years before his passing, Lekota served as the leader of the Congress Of The People (COPE), a party he helped form after breaking away from the African National Congress (ANC). Photo Delwyn Verasamy

Morero jokes about no-confidence motions at Mosiuoa Lekota memorial

Joburg mayor humorously urged UDF leader Bantu Holomisa to stop his party’s councillor from filing motions of no confidence against him. Morero also honoured Lekota’s decades-long contribution to South Africa’s struggle against apartheid

  • Sheree Bega
4 min read
Mosiuoa ‘Terror’ Lekota, who died at the age of 77. Photo: David Harrison

SA mourns Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota

The Congress of the People co-founder was lauded for his principled positions ‘even in the face of criticism and humiliation’ and for being outspoken against corruption

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
COPE co-founder Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota has died at age 77.

Cope leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota dies at age 77

Lekota died in the early hours of Wednesday after a long illness, surrounded by his family, a spokesperson said

  • Eyaaz
1 min read
The formation of the United Democratic Front was ‘the most important and truly organisational expression of popular resistance in South Africa in the 1980s’. Photo: Eli Weinberg/Robben Island Mayibuye Archive

Let’s draw lessons from people’s power on 40th anniversary of State of Emergency

The planned National Dialogue should aim to achieve a resurgence of people’s power so evident in the 1980s resistance to apartheid

8 min read
Students protest against apartheid in 1976. (Photo by Keystone/Getty Images)

Lessons from South Africa’s past for a future of collective empowerment

Education’s role in fostering critical consciousness and political engagement has been side-lined in favour of a narrow focus on individual success and economic competitiveness

  • Eyaaz
6 min read
Objections: Minister of Public Enterprises Pravin Gordhan has cried oul over ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula’s threats to give him the boot. (Gulshan Khana/AFP)

Trevor Manuel: Pravin Gordhan bowed out with courage

The former finance minister recalled Gordhan’s role in mobilising broad-based protest against apartheid and state capture

  • Emsie Ferreira
4 min read
Former public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan.

Pravin Gordhan set the benchmark for public service and dedication to the cause

Not everyone liked the late former public enterprises minister, but everyone respected him

  • Eyaaz
3 min read
Pravin Gordhan. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)

Pravin Gordhan, former public enterprises minister and lifelong political activist, dies

Gordhan passed away after what his family said was a short battle with cancer

  • Des Erasmus
2 min read