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​Various political parties paid tribute to the former Speaker of Council of the City of Joburg, Cllr Constance Bontle “Connie” Bapela, on Thursday, 22 February 2018.

Cllr Bapela passed away on Friday, 16 February 2018.
 
The mood was sombre as family members and colleagues battled to contain their grief while accepting wreaths and framed photographs of their dearly departed. 

Speakers from different political parties described Cllr Bapela as a people’s person, humble, down to earth and as someone who devoted her time to serving people of the City of Johannesburg.
 
Cllr Bapela had been involved in the liberation struggle as a young activist, and indeed her whole adult life. During the state of emergency in 1985, she was detained and spent three months at the Norwood Police Station’s cells. Her family was denied access to her.
 
She was later taken to Joburg Prison, where she was confined for three years without ever having been tried. 
 
While in jail, Cllr Bapela and other inmates launched Operation Phambana (Operation Turn Mad) in order to draw attention to their prolonged detention. They burnt their prison beds to get the attention of the authorities, and to be given the chance to appear in court. Because of this courageous action, they were eventually released.

Cllr Bapela became an ANC councillor in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Council in 1995, and served with distinction on several committees. She became the Speaker in the Council, a position she lost after the 2016 local government elections.
 
“Councillor Connie Bapela was a dedicated, strong and humble person, whose motto was to be always a servant of the people,” said Cllr Herman Mashaba, Executive Mayor of the City of Johannesburg. 
 
“Our heartfelt condolences go out to Cllr Bapela’s family, especially children and husband Mr Obed Bapela, who is a member of the ANC NEC and Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs,” said Mayor Mashaba. 

“To Bapela family and their children, we share in your pain and loss. We carry you in our thoughts and prayers,” said Cllr Vasco da Gama, the Speaker of the Council. 

Cllr Bapela will be buried on Saturday, 24 February 2018. The funeral service will take place at Altrec Centre in Eastbank, Alexandra from 08h00 to 12h00. ​​