Ekurhuleni’s decision to suspend Sunday burials culturally insensitive

by Cllr. Raymond Dhlamini — DA Member of the Environment, Resource and Waste Management in Ekurhuleni

Date: 21 April 2021

Release: Immediate

Type: Media statement

The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Ekurhuleni is concerned over the ANC-led Coalition* in the City of Ekurhuleni’s (CoE) decision to suspend Sunday and holiday burials at all cemeteries across the Metro.

According to the MMC for Environmental Resource and Waste Management Services, Ald. Khosi Mabaso, the decision was motivated by the overworking of cemetery staff, as well as the decline in the number of burials taking place on Sundays.

While Mabaso said that the decision could be up for review should the demand for burials increase, she did not take into account the discrimination that the burial suspension has on certain cultures who bury those who have passed exclusively on Sundays as part of their belief system.

The Shembe culture and church affiliates always bury their loved ones on a Sunday, while those of the Muslim faith bury those who have passed on the same day. This creates complications should a Muslim member of the community pass on a Sunday. Similarly, those of the Jewish faith do not bury on a Saturday — the Sabbath, thereby severely limiting the options for weekend burials.

It is clear that the ANC and their coalition partners* did not adequately consider these cultural sensitivities when unilaterally making these decisions and demonstrates just how out of touch they are with the communities they claim to represent.

The Covid-19 pandemic has sadly meant that cemetery staff have been working long and tiresome hours due to increasing burials.

It is equally unfortunate, however, that the CoE has not implemented a shift system for cemetery staff, which would not only rotate staff to avoid being overworked but also avoid costly overtime payments that are proving to be a major financial burden on the Metro.

The DA urges the CoE to urgently reconsider their decision and reach a solution that takes all cultures and faiths into consideration.

*Coalition Partners: African Independent Congress (AIC), Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Patriotic Alliance (PA) and Independent Ratepayers Association of South Africa (IRASA)

Cllr. Raymond Dhlamini

DA Member of the Environment Resource and Waste Management in Ekurhuleni