Obed Bapela ANC

Kopeng Obed Bapela is a South African politician who has served as the Deputy Minister of Public Enterprises since 2019. He is a member of the African National Congress (ANC) and has held various positions within the party, including Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Sub-Committee on International Relations.

Bapela was born in 1958 in Soweto, South Africa. He became involved in politics at a young age and was a member of the ANC underground structures from 1979. He was also a founding member of the United Democratic Front (UDF) in 1983.

After the end of apartheid in South Africa, Bapela was elected to the National Assembly in 2002. He has served as a deputy minister since 2010, and in his current position since 2019.

Bapela is a controversial figure in South African politics. He has been accused of corruption and of being too close to the Gupta family, who are alleged to have influenced government decisions to their own benefit.

Despite the controversies, Bapela remains a popular figure within the ANC. He is seen as a strong supporter of President Cyril Ramaphosa and is likely to play a significant role in the party's future.

Bapela's Role in the ANC

Bapela is a member of the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC), the party's highest decision-making body. He is also the Deputy Chairperson of the ANC Sub-Committee on International Relations.

In his role on the NEC, Bapela is responsible for helping to develop and implement the party's policies. He also represents the ANC at international events and meetings.

As Deputy Chairperson of the Sub-Committee on International Relations, Bapela is responsible for overseeing the party's relations with other countries and organizations.

Bapela's Controversies

Bapela has been involved in a number of controversies during his political career. In 2011, he was accused of corruption after he was linked to a R500 million tender for the construction of a new hospital in Limpopo province.

Bapela was also accused of being too close to the Gupta family, who are alleged to have influenced government decisions to their own benefit. In 2016, Bapela was one of several ministers who were summoned to appear before a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged influence of the Guptas on government.