Lekota dedicated his life to South Africa: Motlanthe – SABC News

Former president Kgalema Motlanthe says the late Congress of the People (COPE) leader, Mosiuoa Lekota, dedicated his life to the country.
Lekota, who once served as ANC national chairperson, later left the ruling party to form his own party.
He died in a hospital in Midrand in Johannesburg last week at the age of 77.
Motlanthe, who worked with Lekota in the Congress Movement, says the outpouring messages of condolences are a testament that Lekota continued to engage with members of the ANC even though he had left the party.
“Condolences to the family friends, colleagues of Mosiuoa, I wish them more strength in this difficult time. His young boy Kotane now has to assume responsibility leading the family,” says Motlanthe.
House of Traditional Leaders formation
As tributes pour in, the Bakoena ba Mopeli Royal House says Lekota, who was the first premier of the Free State, Lekota will always be honoured for establishing the House of Traditional Leaders in the province.
The Chief of Bakoena Ba Mopeli, Moremoholo Mopedi, visited Lekota’s family home to pay his respects.
His spokesperson, Ntsane Mopedi, says, “He was the one who established the House of Traditional Leaders. Now as a result, we have a platform as traditional people our leaders in the Free State have a platform where they can take their issues to be discussed and to receive answers from the government and like I said, it is our culture to come and mourn with the family when something like has happened.”
Fight against corruption
Meanwhile, former political prisoner Pat Matosa says Lekota was a highly principled individual who was not only brave, but also a visionary.
Matosa and Lekota were both imprisoned at Robben Island for fighting against the oppressive apartheid regime.
Matosa says Lekota fought tirelessly against oppression and was later instrumental in government post 1994.
Matosa says the current leadership can honour Lekota by fighting corruption, which he despised.
“The foundation he has laid in government in 1994 can be upheld, particularly the question of corruption. He fought bravely against corruption – it’s a disease he fought with all his heart now in his memory, the current generation of government can and root out this disease called corruption which is delaying the consolidation of our freedom and service to the masses of the people,” adds Matosa.
Mosiuoa Lekota | Lekota remembered as brave and visionary leader: 

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