One of the founding members of the Congress of the People (COPE), Mosiuoa Lekota, has been praised by fellow struggle veteran, Thabang Madisha, for his immense sacrifices and contributions to the liberation of Black people in South Africa.
During a recent interview, Madisha, who also played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid, commended Lekota for his unwavering dedication and commitment to the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa.
Madisha, who has known Lekota for many years, acknowledged that Lekota had gone through many trials and hardships in his fight for the liberation of Black people in the country. He also highlighted how Lekota had sacrificed his own personal ambitions and aspirations for the greater cause of the freedom struggle.
According to Madisha, Lekota’s leadership qualities and his unwavering determination to fight for the rights of Black people were evident from a young age. He recalled how Lekota, as a student leader at the University of the North (now known as the University of Limpopo), played a significant role in the student protests against the unjust policies of the apartheid government.
Madisha also highlighted how Lekota, along with other struggle stalwarts such as Steve Biko and Barney Pityana, was at the forefront of the Black Consciousness Movement, which aimed to empower Black people and challenge the oppressive nature of the apartheid regime.
Furthermore, Madisha praised Lekota for his role in the formation of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in the 1980s. The UDF was a coalition of various anti-apartheid organizations, including the African National Congress (ANC) and the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), and played a significant role in mobilizing the masses against the apartheid government.
Madisha also applauded Lekota for his instrumental role in the negotiations for democracy in the early 1990s, which ultimately led to the first democratic elections in 1994. He noted that Lekota was a key figure in the CODESA negotiations, which paved the way for a new South Africa.
Moreover, Madisha praised Lekota for his unwavering commitment to the values of democracy and the rule of law, which he believed were essential for the country’s progress. He noted that Lekota stood firmly against any form of corruption and promoted accountability and transparency in government.
Madisha also acknowledged Lekota’s leadership in the establishment of COPE in 2008, after he had left the ANC due to what he believed were fundamental departures from the values of the liberation struggle. He praised Lekota for his courage in standing up for his convictions and for creating a platform for alternative voices in the political landscape of South Africa.
In conclusion, Madisha emphasized that Lekota’s contributions and sacrifices for the liberation of Black people in South Africa should never be forgotten. He urged the younger generation to take inspiration from Lekota’s life and continue the fight for social justice and equality in the country.
Lekota’s unwavering commitment to the struggle for freedom and democracy in South Africa has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations. As Madisha aptly puts it, “Lekota’s sacrifices were not in vain, and his dedication to the cause of the liberation of Black people will always be remembered and celebrated.”
