Lekota’s memorial service was held at Mangaung City Hall in Bloemfontein on Thursday (12/3). Friends, family members, leaders of various political parties, and traditional leaders gathered to honour him.

The people of the province were very close to Lekota’s heart, and he always wanted the best for the country, said Free State premier, MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae.

Leadership

“It is very, very rare that you will find a premier who relates so well with traditional leaders, with farmers in the agricultural sector, and different political parties. It’s exactly what is happening today, you saw the leadership of the DA here, you saw the leadership of Cope, the EFF,  and the ANC. 

“All of them because they know the time ntate (mr) Terror was premier here, he related so well with everyone. He was not wearing a party cap; he was (a) man of integrity, who united this province.”

 Mosiuoa Lekota’s memorial service was held at Mangaung City Hall in Bloemfontein. Photo: Kekeletso Mosebetsi           

Free State DA leader Roy Jankielsohn paid tribute to Lekota and expressed condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Lekota embodied the spirit of Ubuntu, and the Free State was better under his leadership, said Jankielsohn.

“It is a huge loss to lose a stalwart of the struggle, a veteran member of parliament and the first premier of the Free State, as his track record speaks for itself.” 

ANC spokesperson in the Free State legislature and chair of chairs Thabo Meeko said the party’s leadership attended the memorial to acknowledge an icon of the struggle. 

Lekota fought for the freedom of the people and played an important role in the country’s liberation, he said.

Funeral on Saturday

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to deliver the eulogy at Lekota’s funeral on Saturday (14/3) from 08:00 to 12:00 at the Old Grey Sports Grounds near the tourism centre in Bloemfontein.

The Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality has announced several road closures for the day. Parking will be reserved from 06:00 in De Villiers and Charles Streets and on Nelson Mandela Drive. On Friday, Britz Road next to the St Rose Roman Catholic Church in Bochabela will be closed from 15:00 until the church service concludes.

Alternative routes

The metro also warned that Park Road, from Parfitt Road to Ella Street, will be completely closed from 06:00 until the funeral service concludes. Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes.

Lekota has been accorded a special official funeral (Category 2) in recognition of his contribution to South Africa’s struggle for freedom and democracy. The service will include ceremonial elements provided by the police.

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OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg