Former North West premier and struggle veteran Bushy Maape has passed away in Johannesburg after a short illness.

Former North West premier and ANC veteran Bushy Maape has died at the age of 68 after a short illness.

Maape served as North West premier from 2021 until 2024 after replacing Job Mokgoro.

Maape died in Johannesburg on Saturday, after a short illness, surrounded by his children and family.

“Kaobitsa "Bushy" Maape passed away peacefully following a short illness, surrounded by his children and family,” the family said in a media release.