SALGA MOURNS THE LOSS OF PEC MEMBER, CLLR. CONNY BAPELA (1962-2018)

Posted: 21 February 2018

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The SALGA Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is saddened by the untimely passing of Cllr. Conny Bapela of the City of Johannesburg who served as a member of the PEC.

In the 2011-2016 local government term, Bapela served as a member of the Governance & Intergovernmental Working Group as well as a member of the Gauteng Women’s Commission. During the current term, she was as a member of the Gauteng Provincial Executive Committee, Chairperson of the Gauteng Public Transport & Roads Working Group and was the Provincial Chairperson of the Gauteng Women’s Commission, roles in which she led with great valour and commitment.

During her opening remarks at the first sitting of the Public Transport & Roads Working Group, Bapela challenged members to think beyond the realms of what Public Transport had been defined as. She was particularly committed to the plight of safety for women who use public transport to reach their destinations on a daily basis. Bapela indicated that sexual harassment is a daily occurrence for hundreds of women who use taxis, busses and all forms of public transport not only in South Africa, but the world. “If one asks a man about his number one priority when it comes to public transport he will most likely say “speed “, ask a woman the same question and the chances are that she will say “safety”, highlighted Bapela. Her sentiments on gender based violence and the emancipation of women were thoroughly echoed in a campaign she launched at the Women’s Commission Lekgotla in August 2017 condemning violence against women.

The sector has truly lost a wonderful leader in Mme Conny Bapela. Her dedication and contribution to the advancement of the local government agenda will live on. Cllr. Bapela was very instrumental in advocating for the institutionalisation of the separation of powers and functions at the local government sphere while still the Speaker of the City of Johannesburg. She was also vocal on council empowerment and welfare issue fighting for uniformity between Councillors, Members of Parliament and Provincial Legislature.

Memorial Service Details:
Date: 22 February 2018
Venue: Alex San Kopano,
Cnr 12 Avenue & Sam Buti Str
AlexandraTime: 16:00

Funeral Service Details
Date: 24 February 2018
Venue: Altrec Centre,
410 East Bank Avenue & Billy Ziqubu Str
AlexandraTime: 08:00