The family of the late North West Premier and ANC struggle stalwart, Bushy Maape, has announced that he will be laid to rest on Saturday, 23 May, at his home in Vryburg.
Maape passed away last Saturday in Johannesburg following a short illness.
During an exclusive interview with Newsnote, his brother, Neo Maape, described him as a loving father and family leader.
“He was a loving father and family leader. He was the first-born and took care of all of us after our parents passed away. We looked up to him for wisdom — and not only us, but communities at large. He helped a lot of people,” said Maape.
He continued to reflect on his late brother’s character.
“He was very humble. He never pursued positions. From the time he came back from prison on Robben Island, he was chosen for all his positions. His main focus was the people, as he dedicated his life to advocating for development,” Neo continued.
Maape’s passing has touched many South Africans, including communities across the North West and his former comrades.
One of them is ANC veteran Jomo Khasu, who also shared some of his treasured memories of the late Premier.
He praised Maape’s role in the fight against the apartheid regime and his efforts to maintain stability within ANC provincial structures, among other noble contributions.
Khasu believes that Maape’s memory will best be honoured through unity and a strengthened commitment to the renewal of the ANC.
“It should be more than just a dream, and members must be decisive about it. The renewal must be taken very seriously, and all these negative things about the movement must stop,” Khasu appealed.
Meanwhile, Neo Maape added that details regarding memorial services to be held in honour of his brother will be communicated once the programme has been finalised with his political home.
