The IFP says it stands against the decision taken by the eThekwini Parks, Recreation and Cultural Unit Head, Mr Thembinkosi Ngcobo to put an end to the Sunday burials throughout the municipal communities.
The IFP member of the Executive in eThekwini Municipality, Cllr Mdu Nkosi has expressed grave concern over the cutting of the Sunday rituals and says this decision will have a negative impact on the community, especially for those with religions like Shembe and Muslims and others. Alternatively, the municipality should make Sunday an official working day for the cemetery departments, because we cannot allow our people to suffer and compromise their customs for this stupid decision taken by those people, without even considering what communities will feel,” said Cllr Nkosi.
“eThekwini Municipality is being insensitive towards the people and with its decision, it is simply showing that it disrespects the customs and beliefs of the communities within the municipality. It must also know that most people are within the black communities that have their customs in which the major number of people carry out the burials of their loved ones on Sunday, however, the municipality has chosen to serve itself, not the people. In this case the municipality did not think about how badly these changes would affect our people,” continued Cllr Nkosi.
“In conclusion, the IFP demands that the municipality reviews this decision because it will sabotage the communities’ customs, and also calls on the residents not to depend on municipal land for burial. We also encourage the people to use their own land in the rural areas,” concluded Cllr Nkosi.
Issued by:
The IFP member of the Executive in eThekwini Municipality
Cllr Mdu Nkosi 076 133 1382
Media enquiries:
Thabisile Mkhize
IFP Media Liaison Officer 073 522 1786
