South Africa’s (SA) Deputy President Paul Mashatile will deliver the eulogy at the Special Official Funeral Category 2 of the late former Defence Minister Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick ‘Terror’ Lekota.
Mashatile will speak on behalf of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the SA government during the funeral service taking place in Bloemfontein in the Free State Province.
Lekota, a veteran of the anti-apartheid struggle and founding president of the Congress of the People (COPE), died on March 4, 2026, at the age of 77.
He previously served as Premier of the Free State and was the first chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, playing a key role in SA’s democratic institutions after the end of apartheid.
The Presidency of SA says Ramaphosa granted Lekota a Special Official Funeral Category 2 in recognition of his contribution to the liberation struggle and the country’s democratic development.
Memorial services were held throughout the week, where friends, political allies and family members paid tribute to Lekota’s long career in public service and his role in SA’s fight for freedom.
–ChannelAfrica–
