Tribute to Terror Lekota: Sincere Activist and an Exemplary, Deep Principled Patriot 

By: Darkey Africa

09/03/2026

The sad exit and transition of Comrade Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota has left many of us saddened. His untimely passing was devastatingly painful. His life history and impact are ingrained into both the struggle against apartheid and the reconstruction of a democratic, non-racial South Africa. I am grappling to find words to define this larger than life stalwart and giant of our time, struggling to invent accolades befitting the stature and deep humanity of this icon. But as we commiserate with family, friend, foes and comrades, we do so in total submission to God.

Defining Comrade “Terror” through party political lenses, although necessary as a recollection of history, will be akin to diminishing his value and contribution to our country as a deeply patriotic person, to a single story. He was an all-rounder and a foremost leader, organizer par excellence against the abominable system of apartheid. In all phases of our struggle, he was a towering figure, crème de la crème of our struggle. In SASO, BCM, UDF, ANC and COPE, he demonstrated an unbreakable passion in the fight for our freedom. He was principled and fearless and unbending. He was neither facile nor self-seeking. He loved his country and its people deeply. His devotion to politics and commitment to freedom were not confined to party affiliation. He pursued and engaged in positive politics which he embraced to engage all and sundry. He was very conversant with all the languages of our country, and his fluency in Afrikaans, made him a barrier breaker and a very accommodative leader, especially amongst the most conservative elements in society. He was indeed a man of all political seasons, not frozen by party dogma. He was a persuasive orator, authentic, credible and a very ethical leader. He could hardly be shifted from principles of the Congress Movement which he held dearly.

His founding of the Congress of the People (COPE) was not a departure from the values which gave birth to the Congress Movement, but it was a clear refusal to abandon the respect for the rule of law, respect for democratic values and respect for the constitution.

When defining who a patriot is, Chinua Achebe in his book ‘(The trouble with Nigeria, pages 15-16 1983,) delves deeper into what a real patriot is. And those are the qualities that befit the character of Cde Terror, which I quote hereunder:

“Who is a patriot? He is a person who says he loves his country. He is not a person who says he loves the country. He is not even a person who shouts or recites or sings his love for his country. He is one who cares deeply about the happiness and well-being of his country and its people. Patriotism is an emotion of love directed by critical intelligence. A true patriot will always demand the highest standards for his country and accept nothing but the best for and from his people. He will be outspoken in condemnation of their short – comings without giving way to superiority, despair of cynicism. That’s my idea of patriot” (close quote)

Cde Terror was the embodiment of a true and sincere patriot imbued with an unshakeable zeal to fight for peace, justice and equality.  He dedicated his entire life to the struggle for freedom, willing and ready to endure torture and imprisonment to realise his convictions. South Africa has lost a purveyor of peace and unity who shaped our democracy. He was an inestimable gift to our country, and he loved his country and people beyond measure.  He was a strong adherent of non – racialism and peaceful co – existence among all South Africans. I was very privileged to have known this giant of our struggle during our time in the UDF and ANC for many years.

As Jame Baldwin advises, (quote) Life is tragic – simply because the earth turns and the sun inexorably rises and sets, and one day the sun will go down the last, last time (close quote) The sun has gone down. A great tree has fallen.

But as we inter his mortal remains, may his legacy inspire us never to allow the sun to set and darkness to befall this beautiful country which he so dearly loved and sacrificed for.

To the family, friends, foes and comrades across all political parties, let us remember this patriot by working unflinchingly for peace, unity, respect for our constitution and the rule of law and harmony amongst all our people, black and white. That is the best way to honour this great leader of our people and country.

Lala Ka Khotso Ntate Lekota

Darkey Africa – Ambassador of South Africa to Thailand