Former North West premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has died at the age of 68. His passing was confirmed on Sunday morning, 17 May 2026.
The family said Maape died surrounded by his children and family on Saturday after a short illness. They described him as a loving, humble, kind hearted and respected man whose presence brought warmth, wisdom and strength to those around him.
The African National Congress also paid tribute to Maape, hailing him as a freedom fighter who was imprisoned on Robben Island for his political activism during apartheid. ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu said Maape dedicated his life to the struggle for liberation, the advancement of the people of South Africa, and the empowerment of communities through education. She added that he served the movement with discipline, humility and unwavering commitment.
THE ANC MOURNS THE PASSING OF COMRADE KAOBITSA “BUSHY” MAAPE pic.twitter.com/o1vrHimtuW
— ANC – African National Congress (@MYANC) May 17, 2026
Maape served as premier of North West province from September 2021 to May 2024. He took over after Job Mokgoro stepped down. Before becoming premier, he held senior roles in the provincial government, including overseeing RDP programmes and strategic planning in the premier’s office.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Economics from the University of South Africa while imprisoned on Robben Island. He later completed honours degrees in Developmental Studies and Economics at the University of the Western Cape.
