eThekwini mayor explains money forked out for funerals
Updated | By Anelisa Kubheka
eThekwini mayor, Zandile Gumede, has responded to criticism concerning the city's decision to finance thefunerals of some residents.
Opposition parties raised the issue at yesterday's council meeting - and questioned why such exorbitant amounts were spent on the funerals of a KZN businessman, as well as gospel singer Sifiso Ncwane.
These were in the region of R75 000 and R500 000, respectively.
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Gumede says the city's is obliged to assist when a financial need is identified.
"We are not talking about natural debts here. The first funeral concerned a 14-year-old boy who was caught in a cross-fire. As the city, this is a ratepayer from Umlazi and we couldn't fold our arms and say this happened - so what. These issues are a part of disaster issues. This issue is being budgeted for and we are clear on what we are doing. It will always happen because we are a caring city," she said.
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