Lekota will be remembered for his patriotism and belief in rule of law

No matter what one might have thought of Patrick Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota’s politics, his immense contribution to the building and strengthening of SA’s democracy cannot be ignored. The Congress of the People (COPE) president, and former defence minister in president Thabo Mbeki’s cabinet,passed away on Wednesday, marking an end to an illustrious political career that spanned more than five decades. Lekota cut his teeth in politics as a student activist in the early 1970s, deeply influenced by the teachings of Steve Biko’s Black Consciousness (BC) philosophy.

His political activities in the BC movement — including his role in organising the “Viva Frelimo Rallies” which celebrated the Mozambican victory against Portuguese colonialism in 1975 — eventually landed him on Robben Island where he served a lengthy prison sentence. His activities during this period led to his numerous detentions without trial, bannings as well as being one of the main accused in the Delmas Treason Trial. When apartheid officially ended, Lekota was to be among the pioneers of the new order — serving as Free State premier, chair of the National Council of Provinces and later as defence minister.

In all his roles, no-one could fault his patriotism and absolute belief in the rule of law. If he had faults, they related to his utmost loyalty to his leader, which made him defend Mbeki’s stance on HIV and Aids even though scientific evidence went against it. When the ANC, under the presidency of Jacob Zuma, recalled Mbeki from office months after Zuma had defeated him in an ANC leadership contest, Lekota was among a group of ministers who sacrificed their cushy cabinet posts and resigned in protest.