The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Mr Mxolisi Kaunda, has condemned the call made the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (NAFUPA) that as from February 1, Indian and White-owned funeral businesses will no longer be allowed to enter townships and villages to conduct funerals.
Kaunda has described the call as irresponsible and tramples upon the rights of South African citizens. “South Africa is a constitutional democracy and people have a freedom of choice. Therefore, the statement by NAFUPA is irresponsible and borders on anarchy. As government, we are not going to allow a situation where certain groups within the society threaten members of the public for exercising their freedom of choice,” said Kaunda.
Government supports radical socio-economic transformation and will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that black people and Africans, in particular, participate meaningfully in the economy of the country. “However, this must be done within the prescripts of the law,” said Kaunda.
He assured members of the public that government will do everything within its power to protect all South African Citizens from any acts of intimidation. Kaunda urged the police to be on high alert, particularly on February 1 and ensure that no acts of violence and lawlessness occur.
“We want to encourage NAFURA to constructively engage all stakeholders involved in the funeral business and find an amicable way of working together. As government, our doors will always be opened to assist the organisation whenever there are obstacles in the running of their business,” said Kaunda.
The Funeral Industry and Assistance to Families of Crash Victims https://t.co/6kb0BXA9mB pic.twitter.com/w5ffOXDgPA
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