By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Former North West Premier and veteran African National Congress (ANC) struggle stalwart, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape, has died at the age of 68, his family confirmed.
In a statement, Maape’s family stated that he died peacefully on Saturday, 16 May 2026, surrounded by loved ones, following a short illness.
“He was a loving, humble, kind-hearted, and respected man whose presence brought warmth, wisdom, and strength to those around him.”
“Bushy will be remembered for his caring nature, his laughter, and the love he shared with family and friends.”
“His memory will forever remain in our hearts. and his legacy will continue through the lives he touched,” a statement from the family reads.
The North West Premier, Lazarus Mokgosi said he is saddened by the passing of Maape. Mokgosi added that Maape passed away in Johannesburg on 16 May 2026, surrounded by his children and family after a short illness.
“Maape had an illustrious life marked by remarkable achievements and widespread admiration as a freedom fighter, politician and public servant. Following the 1976 Student Uprisings, Maape skipped the country, where he received political and military training by the ANC. “
“He was later infiltrated back into the country where he formed and commanded the Kgalagadi Underground machinery which operated in Mahikeng, Vryburg, Taung, Kuruman and Kimberly. His strong convictions in the struggle against apartheid and its draconian laws led to his incarceration on Robben Island in the 1980s,” he said.
Mokgosi said while serving his term he enrolled for a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Economics, where he also completed two honours degrees in Development Studies and Economics with the University of Western Cape. He said following his release he became the Regional Chairperson of the ANC in the Bophirima Region, which at the time stretched from Kuruman to Mahikeng.
The ANC also honoured Maape as a “freedom fighter” who was imprisoned on Robben Island for his political activism during apartheid.
“Comrade Maape dedicated his life to the struggle for liberation, the advancement of the people of South Africa, and the empowerment of communities through education, serving the movement with discipline, humility, and unwavering commitment throughout his life,” ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said in a statement on Sunday.
Maape, a former ANC regional leader in Kgalagadi, led the North West province as premier from September 2021 to May 2024, taking over from Job Mokgoro.