Following the hosting of several official funerals in Gauteng, the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG) is capping the costs associated with these funerals.
In the past, the GPG has assisted in the final sending-off of extraordinary South Africans who are Gauteng residents such as the late Henry Gordon 'Squire' Makgothi and women's rights giant, Mam' Bertha Gxowa.
There are several categories used to determine the type of funeral an individual is granted, depending on their stature and contribution to the South African society. As these are exceptional citizens, the funerals often attract many people from beyond the borders of Gauteng and indeed South Africa, sometimes necessitating big venues accommodating up to 10 000 mourners.
Official provincial funerals are declared by the national government due to the outstanding role that the person has played in building a better South Africa, among other things. The GPG has, in the past, been guided by the State, Official and Provincial Official Funeral Policy Manual.
As the general cost of living has been escalating in recent years, the GPG has taken a decision to put a limit on the funding of such funerals. As such the province is finalising its own policy around official funerals so that there is a cap placed on the amounts spent.
The GPG anticipates finalising this policy during this financial year.
For more information contact:
Matlakala Motloung
Cell: 082 787 9472
Gauteng to cap costs of official funerals
Province
