Community leaders call for transparency amid crematorium tariff increases

COMMUNITY leaders, religious organisations and the funeral industry have called for transparency and accountability from the Clare Estate Umgeni Hindu Crematorium Society following allegations of excessive fees increases and financial mismanagement.

- NADIA KHAN

Clive Moodley, deputy president of the Progressive Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa, said the tariff hike was of concern.

“Why is a nonprofit organisation charging more than other facilities, some of which are privately-owned. For example, Stellawood Crematorium charges R2 300.

“The Clare Estate Crematorium, with the expected increase, will be R720 more. The impact of this price difference impacts people who want to give their deceased loved ones a proper farewell. There needs to be transparency.”

Neeran Besesar, secretary of the South African Hindu Maha Sabha (SAHMS), said: “The recent wave of vicious, defamatory social media attacks against the society was both unacceptable and unlawful. The society has served the community with a critical and compassionate facility for more than a century.

“We are confident that the society will release the necessary information and documentation to the public in terms of its constitution.

“This disclosure should reaffirm its commitment to good governance, help to dispel misinformation, and silence those who seek to undermine confidence in the institution,” he said.