The former Premier of the North West, Bushy Maape, has passed on after a short illness at the age of 68. Tributes have poured in from various sectors and spheres since his passing on Saturday, 16 May.

Current North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi remembers Maape as a freedom fighter, politician and public servant who dedicated his life to bettering the lives of others.

He was a committed compatriot who dedicated his entire life to the struggle for a democratic and prosperous country. He epitomised selflessness and servitude in the execution of our liberation course” said Premier Mokgosi.

Maape served as the NW Premier from 2021-2024. As a strong proponent for Education as well as the empowerment of young people he relaunched the Provincial Bursary Scheme which to date has funded 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 provision of services to residents.

The NWU principal and vice-chancellor, prof. Bismark Tyobeka shared his condolences. According to Tyobeka, Maape was intensely involved in the various strategic projects of the NWU, especially the establishment of the NWU Desmond Tutu School of Medicine.

“He laid the foundation on which the school came to fruition, and relentlessly encouraged us to work closely with all stakeholders within the North West province to develop and improve the conditions within the communities that we serve,” added Tyobeka.

“On behalf of the NWU community, I extend our condolences to his family, friends, the North West provincial government, and his political family – the African National Congress. May his soul rest in peace.”