IT is with profound sorrow that the Mariazell Alumni Association mourns the passing of its esteemed member and courageous anti-apartheid activist, Ntate Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota. Lekota’s story is woven into the fabric of Mariazell.
As a young learner in the 1960s, he spent most of his secondary school years in the classrooms of Mariazell before proceeding to complete his education at St Francis, Marianhill. His brilliance was unmistakable, both on the football field and far beyond it.
It was at Mariazell where his teacher Mr Mtshizana gave him the moniker “Terror”, not for fear or bullying fellow learners, but for his terrific skills on the football pitch. The nickname stayed with him for over six decades and evolved to represent courage and fearlessness against injustice.
Even in his later years, long after formal public office and in the quiet dignity of retirement, he [Lekota] continued to show up for Mariazell.
In September 2024, he braved the long, winding dusty roads of the rural Matatiele to attend a career exhibition and alumni launch event aimed at learner upliftment and restoring the fortunes of Mariazell. On that day, he shared a stage with Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, Archbishop Sithembele Sipuka, Philani Potwana, CEO of FNB Private Core Banking and Channel, as well as the Mariazell staff and learner representatives.
At that event, Lekota spoke to Mariazell learners not as a distant dignitary, but as an ordinary person who also went through the gates of Mariazell.
True to his patriotic nature, he gifted Mariazell Secondary School with the South African flag and went on to offer a living history of its symbolism. He taught everyone present at the event about the sacrifices and meaning of the colours stitched into the South African flag.
He turned a hall into a classroom and an alumni event into a masterclass in citizenship. He asked all present to do better in serving their communities.
Lekota lived his truth and the Mariazell Alumni Association will truly miss his wise words and energy.
To his family and loved ones, the Mariazell Alumni Association would like to extend its deepest condolences. Thank you for sharing him with Mariazell and South Africa at large.
May you find comfort in knowing that his life uplifted communities and generations to come.
Rest in peace Ntate “Terror” Lekota!
-Mariazell Alumni Association
