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East London: Families Can’t Bury Loved Ones

Dear Editor

The Buffalo City Metro Municipality (BCMM) Council, led by Executive Mayor Princess Faku, has made it clear that it does not believe the pauper burial crisis in the Metro impacts the lives of residents.

The contract for pauper burials expired on 30 November 2024, creating a gap in services for residents in need.

At a council meeting held on Friday, 6 December, I raised a motion without notice, requesting that the issue be discussed as a matter of public importance. However, Mayor Faku denied our request, deeming the matter not to be of public importance.

The DA’s motion without notice aimed to ensure that the service be reinstated immediately through a deviation and to begin the process of acquiring a new service provider for pauper burials. We also called for consequence management against the officials responsible for allowing the contract to expire.

The mayor’s decision to ignore the significance of the crisis demonstrates the BCMM government’s lack of empathy and its disconnection from the needs of the citizens.

This decision has left residents without access to an essential service – one that helps the most vulnerable members of our society bury their loved ones with dignity.

The DA will continue to fight against this uncaring BCMM government, which shows no concern for the well-being of its residents.

Regards

Cllr Sue Bentley
Buffalo City Caucus Leader

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