Xavier Radio Ug News 24 7
Parliament has paid tribute to former Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa Lekota, describing him as a principled leader who helped shape South Africa’s democratic institutions.
Spokesperson Moloto Mothapo says Lekota played a pivotal role in establishing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and advancing constitutional governance in the early years of democracy.
“The presiding officers of Parliament have learned with deep sadness of the passing of Mosiuoa Terror Lekota, a former Member of Parliament, veteran of the liberation struggle and leader of the Congress of the People. Parliament remembers and salutes his historic role as the founding chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. As the first chairperson, he played a pivotal role in shaping the identity, ethos and institutional culture of this new chamber. Lekota will be remembered as a principled leader who valued dialogue, democratic debate and constitutional governance.”
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The speaker of the Free State Legislature, Mxolisi Dukwana, described Lekota as a bull terrier in South African politics. He further emphasised that Lekota was a stern, brave, yet jolly individual.
The speaker reminisced about how accommodating and diverse Lekota was, always ensuring that all races and genders were included in pivotal decisions.
Dukwana has sent his condolences to the bereaved family as well as the party and urges South Africans to allow Lekota’s family to mourn in peace.
“If he believed in something, he would go for it. He was a man that was very brave. There are things that he did that I would demonstrate that I was a formidable force when it came to him or even for anything that he felt was okay. The comrade was always standing his ground.” Additional reporting by: Mkhokheli Bandla
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