South African anti-apartheid activist Mosiuoa Lekota dies at 77

Mousiuoa Lekota, a prominent South African anti-apartheid activist and former defense minister, passed away on Wednesday at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness.

Lekota was a key figure in the fight against white minority rule in South Africa. He was imprisoned for eight years on Robben Island, from 1974 to 1982, alongside other notable anti-apartheid leaders, including Nelson Mandela. His activism continued after his release, leading to further imprisonment.

Lekota served as South Africa's Minister of Defense from 1999 to 2008. He was also the national chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC), the ruling party after the first democratic election in 1994. His relationship with the ANC deteriorated following the removal of former President Thabo Mbeki in 2008.

In response to internal conflicts within the ANC, Lekota established a new political party, the Congress of the People (COPE), in 2008. COPE contested the 2009 elections, securing over 7 percent of the national vote and becoming the third-largest opposition party in South Africa's parliament.

The formation of COPE contributed to a decline in the ANC's electoral support in 2009, as many former ANC members joined Lekota's new party. In 2024, the ANC lost its outright majority for the first time, resulting in a coalition government. Despite COPE's initial success, internal factional struggles led to its decline, and it failed to secure any parliamentary seats in the 2024 elections.

Lekota retired from politics in 2025 due to health reasons, and an acting leader was appointed for COPE. He is remembered as a respected political leader and activist who bolstered the voice of opposition parties in South Africa.

Based on reporting by Africanews.