The immense contributions made by "Oom Boeboe" will forever be written in the books of the Legislature. His accolades were spread across the political spectrum, community upliftment and in academics, Masina says.

“He was a man that stood firm by the decisions he took in the operations of the legislature in terms of political wise. He had a lot of discipline and he expected the members to carry out that discipline as well. He was humble because of his intellectual background, because he was a man that studied and read a lot,” says Masina.

Van Wyk served as a Speaker in the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature from 2010 - 2013. Having served in several positions as a Member of the Provincial Legislature, including Chief Whip in the Legislature, Member of the Executive Council (MEC) in the Safety and Liaison, Housing and Local Government and the Health Departments respectively, Van Wyk also served as a Member of Parliament in 1997. “The Legislature sends its heartfelt condolences to his family, the Namakwa community, and the Northern Cape community at large,” Masina says.

OFM News/Blaine Jones