Though Mosiuoa Lekota may be gone, those who crossed paths with him say his spirit, values, and memories will live forever in their hearts.
Family, friends, political leaders, and supporters gathered in Bloemfontein on Saturday, 14 March, to bid farewell to the liberation struggle stalwart, former Defence Minister, and founder of the Congress of the People.
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After a moving funeral service, Lekota was laid to rest at Phameng Cemetery.
Some mourners knew him personally, while others admired him from afar. But one thing remained clear – the principles he stood for, and the life he lived, will continue to inspire many.
As mourners gathered to say their final goodbye, it became clear that while Lekota was laid to rest, the stories, lessons, and values he left behind will continue to echo in the lives of those he touched.
Among those who came to pay their final respects was Johann Abrie, who travelled all the way from Limpopo to attend the funeral of a man he described not only as a political leader, but also as a close friend.
Abrie fondly remembered the times Lekota spent visiting their farm in Modimolle during the winter.
He said Lekota was an extraordinary hunter.
“It will always be special to remember Lekota.
“He used to visit us in Modimolle in Limpopo during the winter months and stay on our farm.”
Beyond politics, Abrie said Lekota had a surprising talent.
“He was a fantastic shot and a great hunter. I will never forget one day when he shot two impalas on our farm. That night, we celebrated around the fire. It was a memorable moment,” he said with a smile.
He said, but it was not just the hunt that made those evenings unforgettable.
According to Abrie, Lekota was also a remarkable storyteller.
“One of my favourite memories was when we were sitting around the campfire listening to his stories.
“He would speak about the history of the ANC from when it was formed in 1912, all the way to Polokwane, telling us about the moments when things went right and when they went wrong.”
Abrie said losing Lekota feels deeply personal.
“We will miss him dearly. It is a privilege for me to be here today to pay my last respects to my friend,” he said.
Among the mourners were sisters Heidi Mahlaku and Charlotte Mahlaku, who travelled from Kroonstad to honour the man they described as a giant and a leader of the people.
Charlotte said that although she never met Lekota personally, his legacy had always been close to her heart.
“He was the first Premier of the Free State after 1994, and he came from Kroonstad just like me,” she said.
Charlotte said What stood out most in her memory was his firm stance against corruption.
“One of the things I remember about him was that he did not tolerate corruption.
“There were officials who had stolen trees in the Free State, and he publicly called them out in Parliament. That showed the kind of leader he was,” she said.
Charlotte believes Lekota left behind a legacy of honesty and accountability.
“He stood for honesty, openness, and transparency. Even when things went wrong in the ANC, he was willing to speak out,” she said.
With emotion in her voice, she added, “Rest in peace, Ntate Lekota. We thought perhaps he would be buried in Kroonstad one day, but today we are here simply to say goodbye.”
Her sister Heidi also shared a personal memory of the late leader.
Although she did not know Lekota closely, she said Lekota was a mentor to her brother, Tsidiso.
“I first met him in 2000 when he invited my brother to an ANC event. That’s when I saw the kind of person he was.
“He was a man of principle who stood by his words. He fought for the people and for justice. South Africa will miss leaders like him,” she said.
Members of the Congress of the People also came from far and wide to honour their founder.
Nthabiseng Mabuya said many people travelled long distances to attend the funeral because Lekota had dedicated his life to the liberation and dignity of ordinary South Africans.
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“He may be gone, but he will always be remembered for what he stood for.
“He was a true giant who stood firmly against corruption. We came all the way from Limpopo to bury him because he believed in the liberation of the people through our organisation,” she said.
