COPE founder Mosiuoa Lekota dies at 77

Congress of the People (COPE) founder Mosiuoa Lekota has died at the age of 77.

EWN has received confirmation that Lekota passed away at his home overnight. Lekota had been battling ill-health and was in and out of hospital over the past year.

COPE interim leader Teboho Loate said the former Member of Parliament will be laid to rest in his hometown of Bloemfontein.

Just six months ago, Lekota stepped back from active politics to focus on his health, after spending time in and out of hospital.

The party then appointed Loate as the interim leader until its next elective conference, scheduled for next month.

ALSO READ | From freedom fighter to political leader: The life of Mosiuoa Lekota

Loate has confirmed that lekota had been unwell.

“I want to confirm the sad news of our president Ntate Lekota around 3am. We are meeting with the family to confirm what the next steps are,” he said.

In 2008, following internal divisions within the Africa National Congress (ANC), Lekota left the party and founded COPE.

The party contested its first national election in 2009, winning 1.3 million votes - a result that significantly cut into the ANC’s overall support.

However, COPE’s fortunes declined in later elections, and by 2024 it had lost all representation in Parliament.