Rustenburg – North West Premier Lazarus Kagiso Mokgosi is mourning the passing of former Premier of North West and struggle veteran, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape.
Former Premier Maape passed away after a short illness, surrounded by his family, in Johannesburg yesterday, Saturday, 16 May 2026.
Maape’s life was marked by remarkable achievements and widespread admiration as a freedom fighter, politician, and public servant.
Following the 1976 Student Uprisings, Maape left the country to receive political and military training under the African National Congress.
He was later infiltrated back into the country where he formed and commmanded the Kgalagadi Underground machinery which operated in Mahikeng, Vryburg, Taung, Kuruman and Kimberley.
Maape’s strong convictions in the struggle against apartheid and its draconian laws led to his incarceration on Robben Island in the 1980’s.
While serving his term, Maape enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Economics.
He also completed two honours degrees in Development Studies and Economics with the University of Western Cape.
Following his release, Maape became the Regional Chairperson of the African National Congress in the Bophirima Region, which at the time stretched from Kuruman to Mahikeng.
After South Africa’s democratic breakthrough in 1994, Maape held senior administrative roles, including Chief Director for the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) and Planning in the Office of the Premier.
Maape was later recalled from retirement to help stabilise the government following years of administrative stagnation, which culminated in the invocation of Section 100.
During his short stint as premier and through his meticulous and administrative prowess, he ensured that the Cabinet uplifts Section 100 in the province.
As a strong proponent for Education as well as the empowerment of young people, Maape relaunched the Provincial Bursary Scheme, which to date has funded the education of thousands of underprivileged learners from disadvantaged and distressed backgrounds.
He is credited for conceptualising the Province’s Accelerated Service Delivery Plan dubbed Thuntsha Lerole, an initiative aimed at ensuring the efficacy of municipalities in expediting the provision of services to residents.
As the premier, Maape also revived the Province’s Growth and Development Strategy, which serves as a blueprint.
This was to guide the province’s developmental trajectory as it relates to job creation, fighting poverty, and tackling the high cost of living.
Premier Mokgosi said Maape was a true servant of the people.
“He was a committed compatriot who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for a democratic and prosperous country,” said Premier Mokgosi.
“He epitomised selflessness and servitude in the execution of our liberation course.
Premier Mokgosi stated that Maape exemplified true ethical leadership.
“He was committed to serving his people and turning the tide against many years of Colonial-Apartheid rule, which disenfranchised and marginalised our people,” said Premier Mokgosi.
“He was ethical and incorruptible and was relentless in his advocacy for good governance practices which put people first.”
