Rise Mzansi says many will remember Mosiuoa Lekota, for the political positions he held, but the country should most prominently remember him for his principled positions, even in the face of criticism and humiliation. Lekota died in the early hours of Wednesday morning at a hospital in Midrand at the age of 77. Lekota had stepped back from active politics last year to focus on his health, prompting the appointment of a COPE interim leader.  Lekota a former high-ranking African National Congress (ANC) member, he served as the first Free State Premier from 1994 to 1996 and as defense minister from 1999 to 2008. Rise Mzansi spokesperson Mabine Seabe shares the party's tribute message