ANC’s Sexwale says Lekota was concerned about the strength of SANDF

African National Congress (ANC) veteran Tokyo Sexwale said late Congress of the People (COPE) leader Mosiuoa Lekota was concerned about the military strength of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in his final years.

Sexwale was speaking at the struggle stalwart’s memorial service at the Bloemfontein City Hall on Thursday.

Lekota died last week after battling a long illness.

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Sexwale was among many who reflected on their fondest memories of the late COPE leader and founder.

“Terror” Lekota is South Africa’s longest-serving defence minister, having held the position from 1999 to 2008.

His longtime friend and fellow Robben Island prisoner, Sexwale, said Lekota was not entirely satisfied with the country’s military.

He explained that Lekota wanted the SANDF strengthened, as global conflicts could potentially affect South Africa.

“On Terror’s era of defence, we discussed this. There are global conflicts. You don’t know whether you’ll have a nation today or not. It worried Terror when he was still at his best.”

Lekota has been accorded a Special Official Funeral Category 2.