Funeral tent in street drives residents to anger
Funeral proceedings were held in Vlier Street in White River. The organisers had had a conversation with the municipality about the procedures to follow, but had not gotten written permission.
After a funeral tent had been erected across Vlier Street in Kingsview, and stood in place from last Wednesday evening to Thursday afternoon, some nearby residents complained.
According to the municipality, the residents were told they needed written permission before a road could be closed off for such proceedings. It transpired that the residents had not, however, followed these instructions, and erected the tent without written permission, after speaking with only some of the other residents in the street.
The municipality is set to address the issue with the people that held the funeral, and will afterwards determine what action is to be taken.
ALSO READ: Kruger programme aims to nip plant poaching in the bud
Speaking about the incident, senior manager of public safety law enforcement and security, Thulani Mkhabela, said, “The subject of road closure is a very hot topic in various communities.”
This is due to the fact that the “rights of the applicant and those of the surrounding community has to be balanced to establish harmony”.
Mkhabela said the Constitution, the National Road Traffic Act and municipal by-laws have to be considered before an approval can be granted for a road closure application.
Authority rests with the municipality and decisions are reviewable by the courts. This procedure addresses funerals, weddings and other small events.
ALSO READ: Honorary Rangers procure necessities for Kruger National Park’s Scientific Services
The correct procedure to follow to have a road closed:
• Apply, in writing, to the municipality’s traffic department.
• Applications should be made 14 days in advance. Applications for funerals, however, should be at least three days in advance. Covid-19 health guidelines might influence the application period, in the event of a death as a result of Covid-19.
• Notify the immediate residents that are likely to be affected by the closure in writing, soliciting support.
• The municipality will then evaluate the request, taking into consideration the type of road affected.
• The municipality will convene a meeting with the applicant where they provide motivation for the approval.
• The municipality will inform the applicant in writing of its decision.
• The municipality will consider the rights of the applicant and those of the community when making its decision. The municipality is required to respect, protect and promote the Bill of Rights.
• No road damages or environmental degradation will be permitted and is punishable in terms of the relevant legislations applicable.
Mkhabela said, “The community should take note that telephonic inquiry or advice does not constitute an approval; all municipal approvals shall be in writing.”
