Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma has gazetted further amendments to the regulations on the COVID-19 lockdown. These relate to movement and conducting of funerals.
“These amendments will enhance national integrated response measures while also clarifying the application of the regulations relating to government’s measures to reduce the risk of infection and curtail the rapid spread of the COVID-19 virus while maintain the integrity of the lockdown,” said the department in a statement.
Certain individuals will be allowed to travel between provinces, metropolitan and district areas for purposes of transporting a body for burial purposes. Those who will be allowed to are outlined by the department and will need to obtain a specific permit to do so.
Those who will be allowed to travel to attend a funeral include:
– spouse or partner of the deceased
– children of the deceased, whether biological, adopted or stepchildren
– children-in-law of the deceased
– parents of the deceased whether biological, adopted or stepparents
– siblings, whether biological, adopted or stepbrother or sister of the deceased
– grandparents of the deceased
– persons closely affiliated to the deceased.
Funerals are limited to 50 people and holding night vigils is still prohibited.
The permit may be obtained from:
– A Magistrate who is the head of office
– a station commander of a police station or a person designated by him or her
In order to obtain a permit:
A Magistrate who is the head of office or a station commander of a police station or a person designated by him or her must be provided with a death certificate or a certified copy of a death certificate.
It is important to note that:
A permit holder may stay at a hotel, lodge or guest house for the duration of the funeral or cremation. The permit must be presented to the owner or manager of the hotel, lodge or guest house.
The COVID-19 regulations and amendment can be downloaded here.
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