Ramaphosa declares special official funeral for former defence minister Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota

President Cyril Ramaphosa has declared that Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, the late former Minister of Defence and co-founder of the Congress of the People, will receive a Special Official Funeral Category 2. Image:Picture: Itumeleng English/Independent Newspapers President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced that the late former Minister of Defence and Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on Saturday, March 14, 2026. Ramaphosa said Lekota, who served the nation as a struggle activist, inaugural Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Premier of the Free State, Minister of Defence, and co-founder of COPE, passed away on March 4, at the age of 77.

Deputy leader Teboho Loate said the Lekota family had requested privacy during this difficult time. “The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes,” Loate said. “The party will be issuing media statements regularly to inform the nation about developments.” Loate added that details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes would be communicated in due course.