Congress of the People (COPE) co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota will be honoured with a Special Official Funeral Category 2 on March 14, in his home town of Bloemfotein.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday made the declaration, and said Lekota would be honoured for his “principled dedication to non-racialism” during the country’s struggle and in a liberated South Africa.

Lekota, 77, passed away in a Johannesburg hospital in the early hours of Wednesday morning after a prolonged battle with ill-health.

Ramaphosa explained that the funeral would feature ceremonial elements provided by the South African Police Service.

He has directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations from Saturday morning until the evening of the funeral on March 14.

Lekota served the nation as a struggle activist, inaugural chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Premier of the Free State, Minister of Defence, and he co-founded COPE with former fellow National Assembly member Mbhazima Shilowa.

Earlier this week, Ramaphosa described Lekota as a patriot, freedom fighter, and servant of the people whose life story was closely intertwined with the country’s journey of struggle and the realisation of democracy.

“We deeply value his service to his home province where he served as Premier and to our Armed Forces and our national security, in his role as Minister of Defence,” he said.

Ramaphosa reiterated his deep condolences to the Lekota family, COPE and Lekota’s comrades and associates across the political spectrum.