Honourable Speaker, the ACDP offers its condolences to the family of the late Ntate Mosiuoa Lekota, born in Kroonstad in the Free State.
Having served under Mr Lekota personally and having worked with him in the years of the United Democratic Front, in the struggle against apartheid, it is my privilege to stand here and pay tribute to this great man.
His nickname, Terror, was derived from his ability and skill with the football at his feet. In the 1970s he studied at the University of the North in Turfloop from which he was expelled because of his involvement in politics. Mr Lekota eventually led the South African Students’ Organisation, which caused him to be banished to Robben Island, where he met the late former President Nelson Mandela, along with many other political prisoners.
He served with diligence as the first Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. We also know that Mr Lekota served as the chairperson of the ANC and later as Minister of Defence, a portfolio he held for almost nine years. He was part of the team that put our current Constitution together and was known as a defender of the Constitution.
He was a man of great conviction, which caused him to leave his political home and form COPE. Ntate Lekota was respected not only because of his conviction but because of his principles. When he was appointed as the first Premier of the Free State, he did not hesitate to deal with corruption and poor governance and hence leaves a legacy that is not shrouded in corruption.
The ACDP prays that his family will be comforted by our God, and that they will be healed from the pain of losing a father, a husband, an uncle, and a family member. We salute you, the late Honourable Lekota. May your soul rest in peace.
God bless.
