Thokozile Mnguni
Former North West Premier and struggle veteran Bushy Maape has died after a short illness. He passed away in Johannesburg on Saturday, surrounded by his children and close family members, the provincial government confirmed.
Tributes have poured in for the former premier, anti-apartheid activist and longtime African National Congress (ANC) member, whose life spanned decades of political struggle, public service and leadership.
The ANC said it had learned of his passing “with a deep sense of loss and sadness”, describing Maape as a disciplined cadre, freedom fighter and servant of the people.
North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi said Maape’s life was defined by service, sacrifice and commitment to building a democratic South Africa.
Following the 1976 student uprisings, Maape left the country for political and military training under the ANC. He later returned to join underground liberation structures, operating in parts of the North West and Northern Cape.
He was later arrested and imprisoned on Robben Island in the 1980s, where he continued his studies, earning qualifications in psychology, economics and development studies.
The ANC said education remained central to his values, describing it as a lifelong passion that shaped his outlook on community upliftment.
After his release, Maape rose through ANC ranks, serving in regional leadership before taking up senior government roles after 1994.
He later returned from retirement to help stabilise the North West administration during governance challenges, eventually serving as premier from 2021 to 2024.
During his tenure, he was credited with strengthening provincial administration, improving service delivery systems and supporting education and economic development initiatives.
Mokgosi paid tribute to him as “a committed compatriot who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for a democratic and prosperous country.”
Funeral and memorial arrangements will be announced by the family.