Honouring Lekota as a loyal friend

Mosiuoa Lekota was a friend who remained present, not only in easy moments but also in times of challenge and adversity, said South African Jewish Board of Deputies National Director Wendy Kahn after hearing of the death of the politician this week.

“Lekota earned an honoured place for himself in the history of South Africa through the significant role he played in the struggle against apartheid and in helping usher in a new era of non-racial democracy,” said Kahn, who attended the memorial ceremony for Lekota, freedom fighter, former Robben Island prisoner, and former minister of defence, at the Regina Mundi Church in Soweto on 11 March.

“In the years that followed, he continued to serve the nation with distinction … Whether in government or later on the opposition benches, he remained steadfast in his commitment to the people of this country and to the advancement of their well-being,” said Kahn.

Lekota joined the African National Congress (ANC) as a young activist and was imprisoned by the apartheid government for his political activities, spending time on Robben Island. After the transition to democracy in 1994, he was first premier of the Free State and later became ANC chairperson.

He served as minister of defence under President Thabo Mbeki from 1999 to 2008, before leaving the ANC and help found the Congress of the People in 2008.

Kahn spoke about Lekota having met with Jewish leaders on many occasions and participated in many Jewish events. “He recognised and respected the Jewish community’s historic and emotional connection to the State of Israel. His approach to this and related issues was always fair, balanced, and constructive, reflecting his broader commitment to mutual respect and understanding.”

Kahn emphasised that Lekota supported the Jewish community even when it wasn’t popular to do so. “At times when others in public life chose to distance themselves from the Jewish community, he continued to engage with us with openness and integrity. He recognised that the Jewish community is an integral part of the fabric of South African society. He stood with us in times of celebration, but perhaps more meaningfully, he stood with us during challenging times. That loyalty, that moral courage, and that friendship will always be remembered and deeply treasured by the South African Jewish community,” she said.

“In many ways, this reflected the very ideals upon which our democracy was built, that people of different backgrounds and communities can stand together in mutual respect, dignity, and shared citizenship in the great and diverse nation that is South Africa.”