Former South African Defense Minister ‘Terror’ Lekota Dies at 77

Mosiuoa 'Terror' Lekota, a former South African defense minister and anti-apartheid activist who spent eight years imprisoned alongside Nelson Mandela, has died at age 77. The political veteran later broke away from the African National Congress to form his own opposition party in 2008.

A prominent figure in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid has passed away. Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, who served as the nation’s defense minister and spent years fighting white minority rule, died Wednesday at 77 following an extended battle with illness, according to his political party.

Lekota spent eight years behind bars on the notorious Robben Island prison from 1974 to 1982, sharing his confinement with Nelson Mandela and other leading figures in the anti-apartheid movement. Even after his release, authorities imprisoned him again for continuing his activism against the regime.

Known for his passionate involvement in youth political movements during apartheid, Lekota later held the position of defense minister from 1999 through 2008. He also chaired the African National Congress, the party that took control of the government following South Africa’s historic 1994 democratic elections.

Lekota’s ties with the ANC deteriorated when Thabo Mbeki was ousted as president in 2008, after losing the party leadership to Jacob Zuma the previous year. This prompted Lekota to establish the Congress of the People (COPE) as a rival organization.

His new party made a strong showing in the 2009 elections, capturing more than 7% of votes nationwide and securing 30 seats in the 400-member parliament, making it the third-largest opposition force. The split significantly weakened ANC support as numerous members and leaders defected to join Lekota’s movement.

The ANC’s influence continued to wane, ultimately losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 2024 and now operates as the leading party in a coalition arrangement.

Beyond his activism credentials, Lekota earned respect as a dedicated legislator and political figure who amplified opposition voices in government. Internal conflicts within COPE, however, led to its steady deterioration and complete failure to secure any parliamentary representation in the 2024 elections, effectively ending Lekota’s legislative career.

Health concerns forced him to withdraw from political life in 2025, with his party naming an interim leader following his departure.

Political figures across South Africa have offered condolences following news of his death.

Bantu Holomisa, who serves as deputy defense minister and heads the opposition United Democratic Movement, praised Lekota’s impact. “He decided to leave the ANC and formed COPE with other South Africans, by doing so he literally strengthened the opposition parties,” Holomisa stated.

“His role was not doubted, because he and others from the ANC did understand the passage of the struggle. And they knew very well what was the original agenda, which seemed to have been hijacked,” Holomisa added.