Congress of the People Northern Cape

20/03/2026

19/03/2026

COPE EXPRESSES GRATITUDE FOLLOWING THE STATE FUNERAL OF PRESIDENT MOSIUOA “TERROR” LEKOTA

For Immediate Release

The Congress of the People (COPE) extends its deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to the Government of the Republic of South Africa for granting our late President, Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, the honour and dignity of an Official State Funeral. This solemn recognition affirms his lifelong contribution to the struggle for freedom, justice, and the advancement of our constitutional democracy.

We further extend our sincere appreciation to all South Africans from every walk of life who have stood with us during this period of mourning. Your messages of condolences, tributes, and acts of solidarity have provided immense comfort to the organisation and to all who were touched by Ntate Lekota’s leadership and legacy.

COPE is deeply grateful to the Lekota family for their generosity and grace in sharing their beloved father, leader, and pillar of strength with the nation and with the organisation he led with distinction. Their selflessness during this time of loss embodies the very values that Ntate Lekota stood for: unity, humility, and service.

We also wish to acknowledge and thank all political parties across the spectrum for setting aside their differences to honour a leader who belonged not only to COPE but to the entire nation. Your presence and tributes reflected the spirit of unity and respect that defines our democracy at its best.

We extend our appreciation to the church community for their spiritual guidance, prayers, and unwavering support. Your role in comforting the bereaved and uplifting the nation during this grim time has been invaluable.

"We are deeply humbled by the overwhelming support and compassion shown to the Lekota family and to the Congress of the People during this difficult period. The recognition of President Lekota through an Official State Funeral is a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving our country. We thank all South Africans, the government, political formations, and the church for standing united in honouring his legacy. This moment reminds us that beyond politics, we remain one nation." Said COPE’s Acting General Secretary, Erick Mohlapamaswi

As COPE, we remain committed to upholding the values and principles for which President Lekota stood. His legacy will continue to guide our mission as we strive to build a just, united, and prosperous South Africa.

Issued By: Erick Mohlapamaswi
COPE’s Acting General Secretary

For more information, contact: COPE MEDIA
Aubrey Molobi /061 499 7572

19/03/2026

19 March 2026

To all Media Houses / Editors

COPE CALLS ON PRESIDENT RAMAPHOSA TO DISMISS POLICE MINISTER MCHUNU OVER PKTT CONTROVERSY

For Immediate Release

The Congress of the People (COPE) calls on Cyril Ramaphosa to immediately dismiss the Minister of Police, Senzo Mchunu, following serious revelations regarding the disbandment of the Political Killings Task Team (PKTT).

According to President Ramaphosa’s sworn statement to Parliament’s ad hoc committee, he neither approved nor was consulted on the disbandment of the PKTT. The President further confirmed that he was only informed after the fact by National Police Commissioner Fannie Masemola, who indicated that Minister Mchunu had issued the instruction.

COPE finds it concerning that such a critical decision, concerning a unit established to address political killings, could be taken unilaterally without consultation with the President. This reflects a serious breakdown in governance and accountability within the leadership of the South African Police Service.

The Minister’s actions demonstrate a disregard for established governance protocols and raise questions about his judgment, transparency, and ability to provide ethical leadership. At a time when South Africa continues to see politically motivated violence, weakening or disbanding a specialised task team without proper oversight is both reckless and unacceptable.

While the President has drawn a distinction between policy direction and operational authority, COPE maintains that the Minister cannot avoid accountability for a decision of this magnitude. The fact that the President was not consulted further weakens public confidence in the leadership of the police and the wider justice and security sector.

COPE therefore urges President Ramaphosa to act decisively and remove Minister Mchunu from office. Failure to do so will be seen as tolerance for poor governance and a lack of accountability at the highest levels of government.

Issued By: Pakes Dikgetsi
COPE’s Acting National Chairperson

For More Information: Contact COPE Media: 061 994 7572

13/03/2026

“I think the Congress of the People will come back, will rise to the occasion as we move into the future.” - President Mosiuoa Lekota

Even in reflection, he spoke about the future.

Today, we remember his voice, his conviction, and his enduring belief in the renewal of Congress of the People.

His voice remains a call to purpose.
May his vision continue to guide the path ahead.

So, let us honour his legacy by rising to the occasion - as citizens, as members, and as a nation committed to building the South Africa he believed was still possible.



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08/03/2026

This is better late than never.

Paying tribute to President and Comrade Lekota has been with me since hearing the sad news of his passing.

Comrade Terror was a great leader of not only the United Democratic Front and the ANC but an inspiration for some to join the Congress of the People!

Comrade Terror Lekota represented the values of what we thought and believed what our Country could and should be about!

A truly Non racial and Free South Africa!

His inspiration to us was not about hero worshiping a cult of a leader but a belief in a genuine cause for what what we all believed in.

A well informed understanding of what we all truly fought and suffered for.

Comrade Terror understood this.

Some vilified him for courage and for standing up against graft,corruption and ineptitude of the State.

Many rejected him for his honesty and truth because they benefitted from it.

Today it is laid bare in front of the whole world to see.

Terror Lekota was courageous and a true leader of the people.

Without him and many others who stood next to him at the time when COPE was going through difficult times of internal strife and upheavals.

Terror Lekota was a beacon of hope to all of us as the Country!

We might have been naive and never understood How History would turn out.

Comrade Lekota remained in our hearts for standing up for what was truly genuine and truthful.

That many South africans were not prepared to hear was attitulated in perfect unison and representation by an awesome and great Patriot.

History shall remember Terror as the one man who stood up when many were afraid to do so.

Today the ground has shifted.

More than a decade later, the Country has moved on and it all seems dark and gloom!

Everything remains the same and the challenges even worse!

Many want to pretend that, where they are now was never first ignited and influenced by the actions of one courageous man whom they called out, distanced themselves from and rejected!

Terror Lekota was ahead of his time and COPE as the vehicle for change paved the way with all its challenges.

We, as a country are where we are now but Comrade Terror shall always be remembered by those who understood the value and true cause of our struggle as a giant and a Patriot.

Some, at the time he led COPE did not think so and they fought hard to write him off from the History books.

It shall not happen.

History has a way of coming back to haunt those who are foolish enough to ignore and not learn from its pathways.

Mosiou Lekota shall remain in our hearts.

May His Soul rest in Peace!

Hamba kakuhle Nkokheli.

Phinda Siyo

04/03/2026

Media Statement – Confirmation

The Congress of the People (COPE) confirms with deep sadness the passing of its President, Mr Mosiuoa Gerard Patrick Lekota, earlier today after a period of illness.

The Lekota family has requested privacy during this difficult time, and the party asks the public and media to respect their wishes. The party will be issuing media statements regularly to inform the nation about developments.

Further details regarding memorial arrangements and tributes will be communicated in due course.

On behalf of the leadership, membership, and supporters of COPE, we extend our deepest condolences to the Lekota family and all South Africans who mourn this loss.

03/03/2026

COPE CONDEMNS US–ISRAEL ATTACKS ON IRAN

Congress of the People (COPE) in the strongest possible terms condemns the recent military aggression by the United States of America and Israel against Iran. Reports confirm that the coordinated strikes were launched amid fragile diplomatic efforts over Iran’s alleged nuclear programme, undermining prospects of a negotiated outcome and avoidance of escalating regional tensions.

COPE further notes with serious concern that the fallout from this conflict is already reverberating across the Gulf region. Retaliatory strikes and heightened military alert levels have reportedly affected neighbouring states in the Middle East, placing civilian lives in danger, and the destruction of critical infrastructure, with the ultimate end affecting economic stability.

COPE is of the firm view that this action constitutes grave violation of international laws and is a direct affront to the authority of the United Nations, the primary multilateral platform for peace in conflict situations.

As COPE, we reject the dangerous doctrine that “might is right” and “the growing strongman syndrome” in global affairs. Resorting to bombs instead of dialogue sets a dangerous and reckless precedent that threatens global peace and weakens the multilateral system.

As a party founded on justice, equality, and freedom, COPE unequivocally rejects the militaristic posture adopted by Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu. Lasting peace cannot be built through unilateral force or regime-change adventurism.

COPE calls for immediate cessation of hostilities, urgent re-engagement in diplomacy, and renewed respect for both international law and all nations' sovereignty.

Issued By: Teboho Loate
COPE’s Leader / 061 267 3301

For More Information: Contact COPE Media: 061 994 7572

18/02/2026

18 February 2026

To All Media Houses / Editors

COPE EXTENDS WELL WISHES TO MUSLIM AND CHRISTIAN COMMUNITIES

For Immediate Release

The Congress of the People (COPE) extends its warm wishes to all Muslim communities observing the holy month of Ramadan, and to Christian communities entering the Lenten season.

These sacred periods call for reflection, compassion, discipline, and renewal, values that strengthen families, communities, and the moral fabric of our nation. In a diverse society such as ours, moments of faith and spiritual introspection remind us of our shared humanity and our collective responsibility to build a just, peaceful, and caring South Africa.

COPE wishes all those observing this period strength, grace, and fulfilment. May this season inspire unity, tolerance, and hope across all communities.

Issued By: COPE (CONGRESS OF THE PEOPLE)

For More Information:

Contact COPE Media: 061 994 7572

15/02/2026

Undocumented foreign nationals are a crisis in South Africa.

Our borders are not being properly managed, and communities are paying the price. Rising crime, drug trafficking, and the abuse of women and children cannot be ignored. South Africans deserve safety, order, and leadership that puts citizens first.

The current government has lost control, the country is on autopilot, and it’s time for decisive change.

As we prepare for the 2026 Local Government Elections, the Congress of the People (COPE) is ready to lead with integrity and accountability.

Vote for a party that is reliable.
Vote for leadership that is accountable.
Vote for clean hands and incorruptible governance.

Together, let us build prosperity for all.