The City of Joburg’s newly unveiled Constance Connie Bapela Council Chamber which they said seeks to represent accountability and transparency, which were the attributes the late former Speaker Bapela espoused. It was because of what the late former Speaker stood for, that the Council resolved to name the Chamber after her on Wednesday, 29 September 2021.

The current Speaker of Council, Cllr Nonceba Molwele, said: “The naming of the New Council Chamber after the late former Speaker of Council, Cllr Constance “Connie” Bontle Bapela, is a way of honouring her for the significant role she played in the betterment of the lives of people of Johannesburg.”

The Deputy Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs and the husband of the late former Speaker, Obed Bapela, expressed his gratitude for the honour the City has bestowed on his late wife.

“Please accept our gratitude to all the political parties, which passed the motion for the Chamber to be named after Connie Bapela. The Chamber is truly shaped like an African drum, which celebrates the African continent. In African society, the drum is used to call people, for dancing and wedding amongst other uses,” said Bapela.


 

 

He said his wife had sacrificed her youth by joining the struggle against apartheid at a tender age of 17 in Alexandra.

The Chief Whip of Council, Cllr Solly Mogase, hailed Bapela for living up to the principles of the Freedom Charter. “She was harassed as a young person and dedicated her life to the struggle. It pains me when people say they won't vote because many people died for this freedom. She was a good listener as a leader.”

According to Cllr Mogase, Bapela was instrumental in drafting acts and amendments relating to the local government and its structures.

The Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Agriculture, Environment, and Rural Development Parks Tau described the late former Speaker as a “passionate leader”.
“The building, which is now called Connie Constance Bapela Council Chamber, was her vision. This building was part of the urban inner city renewal project and was also meant to be an economic catalyst,” said Tau.

Cllr Margaret Arnolds described Bapela as the epitome of “transparency and accountability”.

Cllr Thandi Nonteja said Bapela “was a humble person and left her footprints in this magnificent building”.