Deputy President Paul Mashatile says the life of former North West Premier Bushy Maape was marked by endurance and sacrifice in the struggle for liberation.
Mashatile delivered the eulogy at Maape’s funeral service at the Huhudi Stadium outside Vryburg.
The 68-year-old Maape passed away last Saturday at a Johannesburg health facility following a short illness.
Maape served as North West Premier between 2021 and 2024.
The service was attended by former President Kgalema Motlanthe, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Lechesa Tsenoli, Sydney Mufamadi, adviser to President Cyril Ramaphosa, and former North West Premier Thandi Modise, among others.
Mashatile said the former premier dedicated his youth to the struggle so that future generations might live in freedom.
“During the oppressive apartheid era, he played multiple roles.
During the day, he was a dedicated teacher and humble principal in a rural community, shaping young minds.
As night fell, he transformed into an underground activist, a guerrilla of consciousness who operated stealthily.
He was among the leaders responsible for recruiting others under perilous conditions and contributed to the formation of the notable Kgalagadi Politico-Military Machinery,” said Mashatile.
Different speakers described Maape as a courageous and sincere person who always implored fellow comrades and the youth to prioritise their education.
Maape’s son, Dr Setshaba Maape, described him as a loving and open father who always had time for his family.
He told mourners about the many family trips he shared with his father and siblings, where politics did not take centre stage.
Meanwhile, current North West Premier Lazarus Mokgosi described Maape as an incorruptible person and a strong proponent of good governance practices.
Among the achievements he cited were ensuring that the province established the North West University School of Medicine, named after the late Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and overseeing a smooth transition following the withdrawal of Section 100.
“He was a meticulous administrator who conceived initiatives such as Operation Bulela Metsi and the Accelerated Service Delivery Plan, which were primarily aimed at expediting the provision of services in our communities.
He was equally instrumental in resuscitating the Provincial Growth and Development Strategy to build a provincial economy that could restore and boost investor confidence, accelerate growth and create jobs,” explained Mokgosi.
Maape’s body was cremated in Kimberley, in accordance with his wishes.
