SAFPA offers to bury three children who died in Boksburg shack fire

The South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA) has stepped in to offer help with the burial of the three Boksburg children who died in a shack fire in Villa Liza on May 29.

The Vilakazi siblings, Nonkanyiso (3), Lwandle (5) and Nosipho (8), died when the two-bedroom shack they share with their mother, Sinenhlanhla Vilakazi, went up in flames just after 22:00 that night.
The mom had just stepped out of the shack.

Speaking to the Boksburg Advertiser last week, the struggling mother pointed out that apart from the grief of losing her daughters and all her personal belongings in the tragedy, she was also stressed about finding help or money to bury her children.

SAFPA learnt about the plight of the family being unable to provide a dignified funeral for their deceased children through Ward 99 Clr Andile Daemane.

The association’s secretary general, Philly Marutle, confirmed that they were so touched that they took the decision to provide their burial services to the family of the children free of charge.

“We decided to step in to assist with full funeral services for the little girls. The services will include three caskets, family transportation, storage, delivery, flowers and grave décor,” he explained.

The little girls will finally be laid to rest at the Rondebult Cemetery tomorrow morning, June 8.

The family has acknowledged the unwavering support from the ward councillor, community leaders, SAFPA and the community at large, saying they are grateful to everyone assisting them to ensure that the girls are buried with dignity.

They added that ward councillor Daemane has been personally involved to help them pull through the difficult situation since the day of the incident.
Daemane said his position as a ward councillor and political affiliation play no part in what he is doing for the family and the community as a whole.
“I’m not doing this because of my position, but it’s purely out of sympathy for the grieving family. As a human being and a fellow resident, the news of the tragic incident gripped me too. I’m also still traumatised.

“My support is not only confined to families who are too poor to bury their loved ones, but I attend to many other social issues for people known and unknown to provide the necessary support needed.
“It’s an African thing to show ubuntu. Humanitarianism is deeply rooted in our African culture, that we should always stand together and support each other, especially in times of trouble like this one.”
Daemane thanked SAFPA and everyone who is assisting to make sure the children are given a dignified farewell.

Also Read: WATCH: 3 girls die in shack fire, family lacks means to cover burial costs