family
15 November 2007
The MEC for Agriculture and Environmental Affairs in KwaZulu-Natal,
Honourable Mtholephi Mthimkhulu has expressed his concern at the continuing
burial saga involving the Majola family residing at a farm in Dargle outside
Howick which has been denied the right to bury its deceased relative.
MEC Mthimkhulu said he was concerned that a bereaved family has to be
subjected to this agony which is something unheard of within African culture
with regard to bereavement.
"According to African custom, it is anathema that there should be a wrangle
over a deceased person and I am very disturbed that this matter has dragged on
for a week," said MEC Mthimkhulu.
The MEC said he had personally instructed officials from his Office to work
with Land Affairs Department officials and Umngeni Municipality officials to
try to find an amicable solution to the problem so that the bereaved family can
bury their beloved relative with the attendant dignity.
Presently the Agriculture and Environmental Affairs Ministry and the
Provincial Land Reform Office have begun engaging the Town Planning Department
of the Umngeni Municipality with an aim that the land on which the Majola
family is residing could be sub-divided and be given to the Majola family which
will then enjoy permanent security tenure and the remainder of the farm be sold
as proposed by the farm owners.
"We therefore urge all the affected parties to try to find an amicable
solution so that the bereaved Majola family could bury their beloved member
with dignity," said MEC Mthimkhulu.
Enquiries:
Mbulelo Baloyi
Media Liaison Officer
Cell: 082 415 7277
Issued by: Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial
Government
15 November 2007
Source: SAPA
