The government, ANC, and family members have paid tribute to Maape, remembering him as a principled leader, freedom fighter, and dedicated public servant. Maape passed away on Saturday (16/5) night, surrounded by family at the Life Brenthurst Hospital in Parktown, Johannesburg.

Maape, who served as the seventh premier of North West from September 2021 to May 2024, was also recognised for his broader political journey, including his earlier role in ANC regional leadership structures.

During his term, 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.

“We have agreed that the funeral will be held on Saturday in Vryburg, but we are still engaging the government and the ANC on the arrangements for memorial services,” said Maape’s brother, Neo Maape.

“He was the firstborn at home, a father figure to all of us, but also a father to many others through his children. From the response of people across the country, you can see he was truly a man of the people.

“He was very humorous, always joking and teasing us, and constantly playfully challenging us.”

The government said Maape’s passing marked the loss of a champion for the development of North West, who worked tirelessly to improve the lives of communities throughout his career in public service.

It further praised Maape for supporting programmes aimed at strengthening service delivery, promoting economic development and advancing the dignity and well-being of residents across the province.

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

“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.

OFM News/ Zenande Mpame dg

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