KHUBVI – They never attend funerals. Instead, they wait on street corners next to the deceased’s family with one thing in mind – to get a quick meal and go home.

Mirror was reliably informed of the allegations and decided to investigate the matter. The newspaper attended three funerals at Khubvi village, outside Thohoyandou, to acquire firsthand experience of the matter. Dozens of people were seen anxiously waiting on the street corners for the procession to return from the graveyard.

Our investigations revealed that the problem started when the community agreed that each household would contribute R10 towards the funeral costs of a fellow villager each time there is a death in the village. To some, the R10 was a great relief to the poorest of the poor who could not afford to bury their loved ones. But to those who think otherwise believe the death of somebody gives them the opportunity to enjoy their R10 in the form of a decent meal at the funerals.

At one of the funeral, one of the ‘carnivores’ boasted: “I cannot be forced to attend a funeral proceeding, but it is my choice to stand in the queue to get some meals. I have paid the R10 and there is nobody who can stop me from ‘enjoying’ my money…”

When contacted for comment on the matter, the traditional leader of the village Vhamusanda Vho-Thinawanga Randima said he was not aware of the unacceptable practice. “I thank Mirrorfor exposing this unbecoming behaviour. I condemn it whole-heartedly and I am going to do my own investigation into the matter. I am taking this in a very serious light because it is denting the image of my village. I will call a general meeting soon to discuss the matter and I hope we will get a solution to the problem.”

Randima stressed the fact that funeral contributions were solely meant to assist those villagers who could not afford to pay for their own funeral costs.

He concluded: “People must understand that the money is not meant for other purposes and have to stick to our course. Those found guilty of this action will be subjected to the strongest disciplinary action.”