BLOEMFONTEIN - The body of COPE co-founder Mosiuoa Lekota has arrived in Bloemfontein.
Lekota died on Wednesday in a Johannesburg hospital at the age of 77.
He served as Free State Premier, Defence Minister, and ANC national chair before leaving to form COPE in 2008.
Leaders from both parties have praised his role in the liberation struggle and his decades of public service.
Lekota is remembered as a son of the Free State and a mentor to younger politicians.
COPE leaders say they will protect his legacy.
The family has yet to announce a funeral date, but he will be laid to rest in Bloemfontein.