“The people of the Northern Cape benefited greatly from Oom Boeboe’s leadership and servanthood.”
THE PREMIER of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul, has expressed his condolences to the family of Jacobus “Oom Boeboe” van Wyk, who died on the weekend.
Saul described Van Wyk as a great leader and activist who served in several positions in the provincial government “with compassion”.
“Oom Boeboe was 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 Namaqualand and started his career as an educator in Pofadder in the 1970s. He was previously a member of the provincial executive committee (PEC) 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,” said Saul.
“Oom Boeboe had a great passion for the well-being 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 benefited greatly from his leadership and servanthood. He leaves behind a rich legacy of love for the people of this Province and their growth,” said Saul.
He said he hoped Van Wyk’s family would find comfort in the wonderful legacy he left behind.
“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. May the soul of this remarkable man, who devoted his life to the vision of building a prosperous society, rest in peace,” Saul said.
