Sexwale remembers his time with Lekota on Robben Island

Speaking at the memorial service of late Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa Lekota, African National Congress (ANC) veteran Tokyo Sexwale says laughter kept struggle stalwarts alive while in prison on Robben Island.

Sexwale and other notable figures have shared fond memories of Lekota at Bloemfontein City Hall on Thursday.

The COPE founder and leader died in a Johannesburg hospital last week, after a long illness.

A giant of the South African liberation struggle – this is how most speakers described Lekota at his memorial service.

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Gauteng’s very first democratic premier, Sexwale, who grew close to Lekota on Robben Island, said it was laughter that kept them optimistic about the end of apartheid.

"We were with him in prison. One of the things that kept us alive in prison, for many years, with Nelson Mandela spending almost 30 years there, was humour. We forgot everything because we exercised our muscles of humour."

Lekota's wife and children sat quietly as they listened to his close friends and comrades reflect on his life and times.

Lekota will be laid to rest on Saturday in a Special Official Funeral Category 2.