The ANC veteran and liberation struggle stalwart passed away on Saturday (16/5) night, surrounded by family at the Life Brenthurst Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg. Maape served as the seventh premier of North West from September 2021 to May 2024.

During his term at the helm, he suffered a stroke that cut short his time as the government leader in North West. He was also a former ANC regional leader in Kgalagadi, and later led the province as premier, taking over after Job Mokgoro stepped down.

Due to his involvement in fighting the apartheid system, Maape was sentenced to ten years and imprisoned on Robben Island by the apartheid government in the 1980s.

We are saddened by the passing of former North West Premier, Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape. Condolences are extended to his family, friends, colleagues and the people of the North West Province during this difficult time. May his soul rest in eternal peace. pic.twitter.com/WuwjYuRQKm

— Masego Kodisang (@MasegoKodisang) May 17, 2026

Maape’s brother, Neo Maape, confirmed the death of the former premier. He leaves behind his six kids and five siblings.

“We are sad as the Maape family to lose such a great person and a hero in our family and North West,” said the statement from the family. 

“This is a great loss to us. He ran his race, and we are grateful that we had an opportunity to share our lives with him. Bushy will be remembered for his caring nature, his laughter, and the love he shared with family and friends.”

He was a loving, humble, kind-hearted, and respected man whose presence brought warmth, wisdom, and strength to those around him.

The ANC also honoured Maape as a freedom fighter who was imprisoned on Robben Island for his political activism during apartheid.

“The ANC dips its revolutionary banner in honour of comrade Bushy Maape and extends its heartfelt condolences to the Maape family, his comrades, friends, and the people of North West,” said ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu.

“His life remains a testament to a generation of cadres who sacrificed greatly for freedom, democracy, education, and development in South Africa and yet are not in formal leadership structures. May his revolutionary soul rest in eternal peace.”

Funeral arrangements have not yet been communicated.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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