Deputy President to Deliver Eulogy at Maape’s Special Provincial Funeral

The state has formally recognised the former North West premier to honour his anti‑apartheid record and long public service.

Overview

The Special Provincial Official Funeral for Kaobitsa “Bushy” Maape is scheduled to take place at Huhudi Stadium in Vryburg on Saturday, 23 May 2026 with the venue opening at 06:30 and the ceremony starting at 08:00.
President Cyril Ramaphosa granted the Special Provincial Official Funeral after Maape died in Johannesburg following a short illness on Saturday, 16 May 2026 at age 68.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile is confirmed to deliver the eulogy and the South African Police Service will provide ceremonial elements for the service.
Provincial leaders led by Premier Lazarus Mokgosi and Maape’s family have paid tribute, with his brother Neo recalling Maape’s personal sacrifices and interrupted studies after his arrest.
Maape was a former Robben Island prisoner and held roles including special adviser, municipal demarcation board member and the seventh North West premier, and a Special Provincial Official Funeral signals formal provincial‑level state recognition of his role in the struggle and public life.