Mahikeng – The funeral of struggle veteran icon and former Premier of the North West Province, Kaobitsa Bushy Maape has been declared a Special Provincial Official Funeral Category 1 by President of the Republic of South Africa, His Excellency Cyril Ramaphosa.
President Ramaphosa has since instructed that flags fly at half mast from Friday, 22 May 2026 until the evening of the funeral of former Premier Maape. This, as a sign of respect to him.
Former Premier Maape passed away last week Saturday, 16 May 2026 after a short illness at the age of 69, surrounded by family and children.
In 1977 he was recruited into the underground structures of the African National Congress (ANC) and was a commander of the Kgalagadi Underground Machinery which operated between Kimberley and Mahikeng.
In 1985, Maape was arrested in Kimberley under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act for anti apartheid political activities. He was subsequently sentenced to Robben Island in 1986. During his incarceration he completed a BA degree in Psychology and Economics through the University of South Africa
Following his release on 14 February 1990 during South Africa’s transition to democracy, he furthered his studies at the University of the Western Cape, obtaining an honours degree in Developmental Studies and an honours degree in Economics.
He also pursued a Master of Management in Governance at the University of the Witwatersrand.
Following 1994, Maape held several senior government roles, including Director of the Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP), Chief Director for Strategic Planning and Development in the North West Office of the Premier, member of the Ministerial Advisory Committee on Provincial and Local Government, and representative on the Municipal Demarcation Board.
He later served as advisor to Premier Job Mokgoro before becoming the 7th Premier of the North West Province in 2021.
Premier Mokgosi says Mr. Maape led an exemplary life centered on selflessness and service to the people of South Africa. He maintains the decision by the President befits the stature, character and the sacrifices made by the late struggle veteran and in pursuit of a united, non-racial, non-sexist, democratic and prosperous state.
Former Premier Maape is survived by his five siblings and seven children.
The funeral service will be held as follows:
Date: Saturday, 23 May 2026
Venue: Huhudi Sports Ground, Vryburg, Naledi Local Municipality.
Time: 8:00am
For enquiries contact:
Sello Tatai
Spokesperson to the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell:0824507842
Email: SITatai@nwpg.gov.za
Or
Brian Setswambung
Province Head of Communications
Office of the Premier
North West Provincial Government
Cell:076 012 4501
Email:bsetswambung@nwpg.gov.za
