Furore over Mthwalume woman’s funeral
The Mthwalume chief said he is will to help financially even though the municipality has helped.
After falling ill, Mana Rose Mkhungo of Mthwalume died on July 20, however, she could not be buried due to financial constraints, and her body had been stored in a mortuary for several weeks.
Her family received assistance with the funeral arrangements but they were still unable to bury her because Induna Siphiwe Bafana Maluleka would not allow them to do so on land purchased by the family.
Her daughter, Ntombifuthi Khwani said her brother bought land in the Sqongeni area in Mthwalume, which had been fully paid for and they had been saving for the official handover by the Induna.
“While we were still saving up our mother died and we had to use the money as she had no funeral policy,” said Khwani.
The family received help with the burial from Umzumbe Municipality. As they were about to start the service, last Saturday, the Induna told them they could not bury the body on that land.
In a video circulating on social media, the Induna is heard telling a man at the gravesite to stop digging.
Chief Bhekizizwe Luthuli said a person cannot be buried without being officially handed the land.
“I cannot allow it, it is against the rules and culture. I have pledged to give them money from my own pocket to buy a grave where they can bury the deceased.”
He added that it is impossible to bury a body as the family has no shelter on the land.
Chief Luthuli sounded upset and mentioned that the issue has become political and that some ANC members were disrespectful to him, and threatened the Induna.
However, yesterday (Wednesday) Khwani said the municipality helped them purchase a grave in Izotsha where they will be burying their mother.
The spokesperson for Umzumbe Municipality, Sabelo Ncwane said the municipality had to intervene and help the family.
“We were able to find a grave for them and I can confirm that the funeral will be on Thursday.”
He added that the municipality has also called on Cogta to intervene after the official handover of the land has been done.
“We have requested Cogta to help the family with an RDP house, so they can have a proper structure and home.”
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