Cope founder Mosiuoa Lekota has died

Mosiuoa Lekota, founder of the Congress of the People (Cope), has died in the early hours of Wednesday morning at a Johannesburg hospital. He was 77. He had been battling ill health over the past year.

The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes. “The party will issue regular media statements to inform the nation about developments,” said Cope in a statement on Wednesday morning. “On behalf of the leadership, membership, and supporters of COPE, we extend our deepest condolences to the Lekota family and all South Africans who mourn this loss.” Further details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes will be communicated in due course.

Lekota had been leading Cope since 2008, when the party was launched. The South African Federation of Trade Unions (Saftu) also paid tribute to Lekota. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and colleagues in the Congress of the People (Cope), as well as to all those in the broader democratic movement who worked alongside him over many decades of struggle,” said Saftu.