The Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, has learnt with great sadness of the passing on of Mr Jacobus van Wyk, fondly known as Oom Boeboe. Premier Saul came to know Oom Boeboe as a great leader and community activist, who always had the interest of the most vulnerable at heart.
The late Mr Boeboe van Wyk hails from Steinkopf in the Namakwaland and started his career as an educator in Pofadder in the 1970’s. He was previously a member of the Provincial Executive Committee of the African National Congress (ANC) and served the ANC in various capacities.
His political career saw him occupying positions in the National Assembly as a Member of Parliament, Member of the Provincial Legislature, and MEC in the portfolios of Safety and Liaison, Housing and Local Government and Health. As a Member of the Provincial Legislature he was also the Chief Whip of the Majority Party and Speaker and later on he became the Mayor of the Nama Khoi Municipality in Springbok.
Mr Boeboe van Wyk had a great passion for the wellbeing and development of people and their communities. His love for reading spurred him on to write five books detailing history and community stories. He was an ardent supporter and lover of rugby and spoke with passion of the National team and the beautiful game.
The people of the Northern Cape benefitted greatly from his leadership and servanthood. He leaves behind a rich legacy of love for the people of this Province and their growth.
At this hour of great loss, our thoughts are with his wife, Romina, children and grandchildren, family and friends and all those who have been touched by his life.
Dr Zamani Saul, on behalf of the Provincial Government and the people of the Province expresses his sincerest condolences to the van Wyk family, friends, comrades and broader community on the passing of Mr Boeboe van Wyk. May the soul of this remarkable man; who attributed his life to the vision of building a prosperous society, rest in peace.
Issued by the Office of the Premier
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