The Inkatha Freedom Party calls on the KZN Provincial government to urgently institute measures to prevent what is likely to become a xenophobic violence in the funeral industry if we are to avoid the violent xenophobic situation that erupted in this country.
“The turmoil between the National Funeral Parlour Association (Nafupa) and the National Funeral Practitioners’ Association of South Africa (Nafupa SA) following a WhatsApp message which threatened non-black funeral parlour owners and undertaking services operating in townships and rural areas calls for urgent action. We are of the view that if this is allowed to continue it will result to another xenophobia. We must urgently prevent the recurrence of xenophobia. Prevention is always better than cure. Therefore, it is vitally important that effective systems be put in place to warn authorities of any possible future flare-ups of xenophobic violence,” said IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature, Mr Blessed Gwala MPL.
“We are not against radical economic transformation, but it must happen according to the parameters of the law. As people scramble to try and eke out a living they angle those who have and they will start disrupting to achieve the same status. Once you start saying all Indians are like that and all whites are like that, you are running into a very dangerous situation which is not in keeping with the spirit in what we are trying to achieve. We must rise and act towards social cohesion and inclusion. Inaction in this matter will have far-reaching implications for South Africa and set us back decades as a stable democracy,” continued Mr Gwala.
“We must not shy away from the fact that people have a right to become members of any funeral insurance company they like by looking at the benefits that are offered by that particular company. Above that the Constitution of the country states that anyone can trade anywhere in the country only if they comply. People must be allowed to exercise their right enshrined in the Constitution.
In addition, we call to the empowerment of emerging funeral undertakers. The role of SMMEs in our economy cannot be sufficiently emphasised. This industry should be looked towards as a driver of SMME development, transformation and financial inclusion. Empowering small business owners remains fundamental to economic transformation and financial inclusion. We call on government to come up with a detailed plan to empower emerging funeral undertakers. They must be empowered through skills development and have access to funding so that they can be able to compete with other successful businesses,” concluded Mr Gwala.
The IFP urge the KZN MEC of Economic Development, Sihle Zikalala must intervene in this matter without any further delay. He must engage with both affected parties in order to seek an amicable solution.
Issued by:
Mr Blessed Gwala MPL
IFP Leader in the KZN Legislature
078 290 5842
