OWNERS of small funeral parlours are refusing to transport any bodies until Wednesday or until their demands from government have been met.
Muzi Hlengwa, head of the National Funeral Practitioners of South Africa (NAFUPA), said he represents over 3000 mortuary businesses across the country.
Hlengwa said they also planning on shutting down big funeral businesses like Avbob and Old Mutual.
“Close your doors because if you don’t, we are going to close them it for you,” he warned.
The crux of the issue is regarding new regulations on transporting of bodies imposed by the Department of Health (DOH).
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DOH requires all mortuary businesses to have a Certificate of Competence before being allowed to transport a body from a public or private hospital.
Nafupa claims this regulation is discriminatory towards small businesses as a COC can only be obtained if the business has a morgue (fridge).
Hlengwa said many of his colleagues outsource their morgues.
Last month, Nafupa went on a disruptive march, visiting at least three Durban hospitals to protest in front of their doors.
There were allegations of assault at some of the hospitals but Hlengwa denied them.
The DOH issued a statement on Sunday expressing worry at the proposed three-day strike.
“The Department is aware that a group of funeral undertakers are planning to shut down the collection of human remains from private and public health facilities. This is very concerning as this action may lead to undesired conditions and risks to public health,” reads the statement.
The department said they have met several times with affected parties and are open to amicable solutions.
DOH reiterated its stance that all funeral undertakers and mortuary premises used in connection with the preparation, storage and preservation of human remains must be in possession of a valid certificate of competence issued by the relevant local authority.
“We will not allow non-compliance to legislation in this sensitive area,” said DOH.
Local police are on alert.
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