VIDEO: Council bids farewell to former speaker, Connie Bapela

A special council sitting was held on 22 February in honour of late councillor, former Speaker of Council, Connie Bapela.

Bapela’s family, including her husband Deputy Minister of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, Obed Bapela, was also in attendance.

The late councillor was a part of the City of Johannesburg for over 20 years, first welcomed in 1995. Bapela served as a ward as well as PR councillor in Alexandra. She leaves behind three children and her husband.

Speaker of Council Vasco Da Gama said her life is a big loss for the City. ” I have personally worked with her for a very long time. My deepest condolences to her family, friends and fellow councillors.”

The African National Congress (ANC), of which she was a long-serving member, shared the condolences with the rest of council, praising her dedication to the liberation movement.

Fellow councillors remembered her as soft-spoken and a leader of councillors in Joburg.

ANC shadow Finance MMC, Geoffrey Makhubo, said she was resolute and steadfast in the pursuit of freedom. “We mourn councillor Bapela but we also celebrate her life.”

A black cloth was laid over her seat in council, a candle burning in the middle. This symbolised that she will never sit on it again. Her name will officially be removed from council. Da Gama also handed over a certificate of service to Bapela’s family, in appreciation of her commitment.

Executive Mayor Herman Mashaba said that despite him not knowing her that well, he knew that her work was remarkable and that she was a dedicated public servant.

“Her departure leaves a deep void in the City of Johannesburg,” he said.

ALSO READ: City of Joburg’s former Speaker of Council passes away 

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