Mosiuoa Lekota: Mourners gather to remember late struggle stalwart

A memorial service is underway in Soweto for late politician and struggle stalwart, Mosiuoa Lekota.

The 77-year-old anti-apartheid activist died last week after a long illness.

In the years before his passing, Lekota served as the leader of the Congress Of The People (COPE), a party he helped form after breaking away from the African National Congress (ANC). 

Known to many as 'Terror', he played a prominent role in South Africa’s politics - serving as Free State premier and later as minister of defence during his time in the ANC.
 
Fellow struggle comrades and various political leaders arrived at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto, including  ANC deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane, former minister Naledi Pandor and Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero to pay their respects.

ALSO READ: From freedom fighter to political leader: The life of Mosiuoa Lekota
 
Inside the church, mourners were visibly emotional as they remembered a man many described as a fearless voice during the apartheid struggle.
 
COPE Gauteng leader Tom Mofokeng said Lekota’s legacy would be measured by his courage.
 
"We are reminded that the lives of men such as Ntate Mosiuoa Patrick Lekota cannot be measured merely by the years they lived, they are measured by the courage they showed."
 
Another memorial service is expected to take place in Bloemfontein on Thursday, with a state funeral planned for Saturday.