COPE Leader Mosiuoa Lekota has died

The Congress of the People [COPE] have confirmed that its founding President, Mosiuoa Lekota, has died at the age of 77. Lekota died at the age of 77 while in hospital, reportedly due to a long battle with cancer.

Lekota was a South African anti-Apartheid revolutionary for the African National Congress [ANC] who served jail time with Nelson Mandela from 1985.

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However, he left the ANC to form the Congress of the People splinter party in 2008. He has served as its President since 16 December 2008.

The party confirmed his passing through an official statement on Wednesday morning.

“The Congress of the People (COPE) confirms with deep sadness the passing of its President, Mr. Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, earlier today after a period of illness,” said Teboho Loate, COPE’s acting leader.

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“The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes. The party will issue regular media statements to inform the nation about developments.

Further details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes will be communicated in due course. On behalf of the leadership, membership, and supporters of COPE, we extend our deepest condolences to the Lekota family and all South Africans who mourn this loss.”