The Congress of South African Trade Unions is deeply saddened by the passing of Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape.

A former Premier of the North West province, Maape was a former Robben Island political prisoner, a committed member of the ANC and former uMkhonto we Sizwe operative. Born in Vryburg, Comrade Bushy was recruited into the underground structures of the ANC and eventually commanded the organisation’s underground Kgalagadi Machinery. He played a key role in building the anti-apartheid machinery in what is now the Northern Cape and the North West, including structures of the General and Allied Workers’ Union (GAWU).

A onetime principal of Kuruman Middle School, Maape was convicted for his involvement in the ANC in February 1986 and jailed at Robben Island. He was among the first six prisoners to be released from the Island when then President F.W. de Klerk resolved to free political prisoners. Maape became the chairperson of the ANC Kgalagadi region in the 1990s; he later held several positions including Chief Director: Strategic Planning and Development in the Office of the Premier of the North West. He was elected Premier in September 2021.

Education was evidently important to Maape. While imprisoned on Robben Island, he completed a BA in psychology and economics from Unisa. He also held an Honours in Development Studies and an Honours in Economics from the University of the Western Cape.

Comrade Bushy was among the generation of freedom fighters who gave selflessly for South Africa’s liberation. After democracy, he continued to serve the nation with dedication. COSATU extends its heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and the people of South Africa. The country remains deeply grateful for his service.

Issued by COSATU

Zanele Sabela (COSATU Spokesperson)

Mobile: 079 287 5788 / 077 600 6639

Email: zaneles@cosatu.org.za