PREMIER MAAPE MOURNS THE PASSING OF STRUGGLE VETERAN-PAUL DAPHNE

MEDIA STATEMENT
MONDAY, 30 JANUARY 2023

Mahikeng – North West Premier Kaobitsa Bushy Maape is saddened by the passing of struggle veteran, Paul Daphne. Mr. Daphne passed away on Friday 27 January 2023 after a short illness.
Mr Daphne had an illustrious career as an academic, activist and conservationist. He was a lecturer in Development Studies at the then University of Bophuthatswana.
Around this period he served as the Deputy President of the University’s Staff Forum which advocated for the incorporation of the Bophuthatswana Homeland into South Africa.
It was also during this period where he carried out a number of underground activities for the African National Congress (ANC) under the banner of the Mafikeng Anti Repression Forum which was formed to fight repression in Bophuthatswana.
This culminated in the establishment of the ANC’s first Branch in Mahikeng where he was elected secretary. His activism led to his deportation from Bophuthatswana. He however continued with his political work which included giving support to over one hundred sixty (160) political prisoners who were incarcerated by the Bophuthatswana administration.
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After a small stint as a lecturer at Fort Hare University he came back to Mahikeng where he took up a position as Deputy Director General under Premier Popo Molefe.
Mr Daphne also held various senior positions in both the provincial and national government as well as State Owned Entities. At the time of his passing he was Premier Maape’s special advisor on economic affairs. Premier Maape maintains the province is poorer without him.
“He dedicated his entire life to the struggle for a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic, prosperous South Africa. A committed activist and patriot who championed the socio-economic rights of the poor and economically disenfranchised” Premier Maape said.
Premier Maape further says the passing of Mr. Daphne is a great loss not only to his family but to the people of the North West Province and the country at large.
“His life is a reflection of someone who was ethical, incorruptible and was relentless in his advocacy for a free and equal society” Premier Maape added.
He is survived by his fiancé Disa Ramagaga, his children Daniel and Matthew; foster children Jeana, Tshidi, and Itumeleng; his brothers Jeremy and Robert; and his ex-wife Laura. End
Issued by North West Office of the Premier.
For enquiries contact:
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell:0647562510/0824507842
Email: statai38@gmail.com