Thokozile Mnguni
Former North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape was laid to rest today as senior government leaders, dignitaries and mourners gathered to honour his life and legacy.
The official funeral was attended by Deputy President Paul Mashatile, former President Kgalema Motlanthe and North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi.
Tributes paid during the service reflected on Maape’s role in the liberation struggle, public service and community leadership.
Deputy Minister in the Presidency Kenny Morolong described Maape as “a decorated underground operative, a master organiser and a total freedom fighter”.
He said Maape was “a fearless soldier of liberty, democracy and human dignity”.
Born in 1957 in Huhudi Township near Vryburg, Maape became politically active while still a student.
His activism intensified after the Soweto uprising. He helped rebuild underground resistance structures and supported mobilisation efforts across the Northern Cape and Bophirima region.
In 1986, he was imprisoned on Robben Island. While incarcerated, he continued his studies and worked towards a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Economics.
He is remembered as a teacher, mentor and leader dedicated to serving others.
Mourners described his life as one marked by courage, sacrifice and an unwavering commitment to freedom.
Delivering the eulogy, Mashatile said that although Maape’s voice was once silenced by prison walls, he became a beacon of hope.
He said Maape’s courage, tested in the darkest of times, became a shield for the weak.
“When giving his life for the people, the only reward Comrade Bushy sought was not wealth nor recognition, but the upliftment of the poor and the marginalised. He longed to see rural communities rise from the grip of poverty, to see dignity restored,” said Mashatile.
He said Maape’s struggle was aimed at breaking the chains of exclusion and opening doors that apartheid had slammed shut.
“He embraced leadership as service, not self-enrichment, carrying the hopes and frustrations of ordinary people on his shoulders at all times. His commitment exemplifies that a true revolutionary does not choose battles for convenience, but stands steadfast in principles, even when the cost is high.”
Mashatile added: “As we bid him farewell, let us remember that his story is not only about the past, but also about the future we must build. His example calls us to recommit ourselves to the values of honesty, to defend our democracy, to nurture unity, and to ensure that the sacrifices of his generation are not betrayed.”
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi described Maape as a servant of the people.
“We are gathered here not only to mourn, but to celebrate a life well lived, a life dedicated to freedom, justice, equality and the pursuit of a better life for all,” he said.
Mokgosi further described Maape as a disciplined cadre, community builder and intellectual.
“He was incorruptible and a strong proponent of good governance practices. He remained passionate about ethical leadership and education throughout his life,” said Mokgosi.
Maape’s son, Dr Sechaba Maape, said the family understood that they had to share their father with communities.
“He was also an intellectual and always preached about the importance of education. He was instrumental in the political activities of the African National Congress and was the one who activated political consciousness in areas such as Kimberley and Kuruman, as well as parts of the North West. His mission was to demolish the idea of the apartheid government so that we could have the South Africa that we have today.”
He added that education was extremely important to his father, which was why he consistently encouraged and assisted many people to further their studies.
Speaking on behalf of those mentored and developed by Maape, Smuts Matshe said they received guidance not only in education but also in politics.
He said Maape encouraged them to become active in their communities and taught them the importance of caring for others, including military veterans.
The family said Maape’s mortal remains will be cremated.