Zikalala brokers solution in funeral parlour issue
The stand-off between some Black owned funeral parlours and those owned by White and Indians has been resolved.
This follows a meeting today, 30 January 2017, between the MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs, Mr Sihle Zikalala and various stakeholders, including the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (Nafupa SA) where it was agreed that a steering committee be formed to address issues of transformation in the burial space that had been raised by Nafupa SA.
“I can confirm that all the concerns which led to tensions among the various funeral operators have been addressed.
“We have met with all the affected parties and agreed that there was a need to urgently form a Steering Committee to address issues of transformation which Black funeral practitioners had raised as one of their main concerns,” Zikalala said.
Nafupa SA has also backed down from its earlier intentions of blocking Indian and White owned funeral companies from operating in Black areas as of next month.
The newly established Committee comprises various funeral parlour associations, the South African Social Security Agency, the Department of Health, the Road Accident Fund and Home Affairs.
It will meet regularly to consider and report back to MEC Zikalala on progress made in resolving the identified issues.
Enquiries:
Bongani Tembe
Cell: 082 327 2600
Siyabonga Maphumulo
Cell: 082 330 5132
