Editor
Allow me through your media to point out my views on the heartbreaking and sensitive issue of deaths and funerals. I am open to discussion.
From what I have witnessed all these years, it seems people should allow the immediate family members to be part of decisions about where and how their loved ones are to be buried and how funerals are to be conducted, as they are the only people who knew the deceased very well.
This will avoid all the dramas that are happening in our communities. These consist of:
1. If you need assistance, come forward. People can be poor but one thing we all have in common is family values and spiritual values, no matter that most of us are living below the average but we need to be respected.
2. Political parties use funerals as a canvassing platform.
3. Ministers – if more than one attends, it would be better to arrive together and reach a consensus as to how to conduct the funeral, instead of using the word of God to fight and canvas for their sectors.
4. Memorial services – It is better not to volunteer to say anything than to waste people’s time saying irrelevant things about a dead person. It becomes a disaster and later reflects badly on certain people.
5. Visiting old graves – this is totally unacceptable during a funeral session.
People spend a lot hiring buses, thinking that people will support them and the family and remain for the entire session of the funeral service.
6. Competition – This is a very sad situation. After the funeral people are left drained out. Be careful, we are all not rich. Be yourself and do not look at what other people do, only do it if you can afford it.
RS Sithole