Lekota died on March 4 at the age of 77 in a Johannesburg hospital.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the eulogy on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Republic. The Presidency said the decision to grant Lekota a Special Official Funeral Category 2 honours his “distinguished contribution to SA’s liberation struggle and democratic development.”
Lekota was a prominent figure in SA’s political landscape for over four decades. He served as the first Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces after the democratic transition, later becoming Premier of the Free State and Minister of Defence under President Thabo Mbeki. In 2008 he co‑founded COPE, emerging as one of the most recognisable voices in post‑apartheid politics.
Throughout the week, memorial services were held across the country, where comrades, family members and political leaders paid tribute to his dedication, courage and steadfast commitment to democracy. Speakers remembered him as a principled organiser, a powerful orator and a leader who remained deeply committed to constitutionalism.
A number of high‑profile dignitaries are expected to attend the funeral, including former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe, alongside senior government officials, MPs, liberation struggle veterans and COPE supporters.
–SABC–
