VRYBURG – Former North West premier Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape was laid to rest in his birthplace in Vryburg today – Saturday, 23 May, in a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 1, as accorded by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Maape passed away last Saturday, 16 May, at the age of 68 in Johannesburg after a short illness.
President Ramaphosa accorded the special provincial funeral for Maape, recognising his contributions as a veteran of the liberation struggles. Maape served as Premier of North West from 2021 until 2024, after replacing Job Mokgoro.
His struggle credentials included imprisonment on Robben Island, where he was incarcerated in 1986. Maape is hailed for his resilience, notably pursuing education and intellectual development under the harsh conditions of apartheid imprisonment. He completed a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Economics while serving time on Robben Island.
His educational journey saw him teaching at the Hebron Training College. He reportedly rose in politics soon thereafter, further influenced by the historic events of 1977 following the Soweto Uprisings.
In the ranks of the ANC, Maape received political and military training under uMkhonto we Sizwe. His roles included rebuilding ANC underground structures and serving as chairperson of the ANC in the Kgalagadi region.
