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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.

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Issued by: Agriculture and Environmental Affairs, KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government
15 November 2007
Source: SAPA