Richards Bay families demand local crematorium to ease funeral burdens

LEGAL ACTION

- MONISHKA GOVENDER

FAMILIES in Richards Bay are facing significant emotional and financial challenges due to the absence of a local crematorium.

Businessman Prince Ishwar Ramlutchman Mabheka Zulu calls for urgent municipal action, warning of potential legal action if the situation does not improve.

Businessman and president of the Sivananda World Peace Foundation Mabheka Zulu, who has lived in Richards Bay for 34 years, said the absence of a cremation facility in the area had placed a heavy emotional and financial burden on families who had to travel long distances to cremate their loved ones.

“There is no crematorium in the area, so I decided to act and try to get one built. I felt it was very important as a Hindu to ensure our traditions are conducted properly by having such facilities. But this is not only a religious issue. People of all races use cremation facilities,” he said.

Currently, families in Richards Bay and surrounding areas must transport bodies to Stanger, Verulam or the Clare Estate crematoria.

According to Mabheka Zulu, the journey could range from 120km to 200km, significantly increasing funeral costs for grieving families.

“The cost to move a body to Durban alone is about R26,000, excluding crematorium fees. Families often have to wait long hours before receiving the ashes of their loved ones.”

He added that the situation had sometimes led to tragic consequences.

“On several occasions, families have met with accidents while travelling to Durban to cremate their loved ones,” Mabheka Zulu said.

“In one incident, a family lost their child while following the hearse to Durban. A truck collided into them. This is really painful for our community.”

While cremation is traditionally associated with Hindu funeral rites, Mabheka Zulu stressed that the demand for such a facility extended far beyond a single cultural group.