Family and mourners gather for Mosiuoa Lekota’s memorial service

A solemn afternoon unfolded at the Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Bloemfontein, where the family of the late struggle stalwart Mosiuoa Lekota gathered with mourners for a church service in his honour.

It has been more than a week since Lekota died at a hospital in Johannesburg after battling a prolonged illness. This marks the final gathering before his Special Official Funeral Category Two and burial service on Saturday.

In the front row sat Mosiuoa Lekota’s wife, his son, and his siblings, who were visibly overcome with emotion as the choir opened the service. With tissues in hand and teary eyes, some kept their heads bowed in silent grief as the preacher extended words of comfort to the family.

Kotane Lekota, the son of the late COPE founder, held and comforted his mother as she struggled to contain her tears.

Lekota was accorded a Special Official Funeral Category Two, where the national flag is flown at half-mast at all flag stations across the country. The South African Police Service is leading the ceremonial honors ahead of Lekota’s burial.