FIRA- Funeral Industry Reformed Association

18/06/2026

WATCH | Nkonyane family granted court order to exhume body https://witness.co.za/news/2026/06/18/watch-nkonyane-family-granted-court-order-to-exhume-body/

FIRA Statement

Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA) welcomes the decision of the court to grant an order for the exhumation of the late Thami Nkonyane's body.

FIRA hopes that the implementation of the court order will provide clarity on this highly debated matter and allow the relevant authorities to establish the facts surrounding the circumstances that led to this widely reported case.

FIRA further hopes that the outcome of this matter will provide much-needed legal guidance for future disputes involving the custody and burial of deceased persons where families are divided. Such guidance is essential, as funeral parlours are frequently placed in an extremely difficult position when conflicting instructions are received from family members or interested parties.

This matter also highlights the importance of clear legal processes, effective communication, and the protection of all parties involved, including the bereaved families, funeral service providers, and the dignity of the deceased.

FIRA believes that the findings arising from this court process should assist in developing clearer protocols for similar disputes in future and further strengthen the case for an independent Funeral Industry Ombudsman.

Such an institution could provide impartial guidance, assist with dispute resolution, and help prevent funeral service providers from becoming entangled in family conflicts while ensuring that the rights, dignity, and wishes of all affected parties are respected within the framework of the law.

Family attorney Ntokozo Mkhabela said the court had ruled in favour of the family, allowing for the exhumation of Nkonyane's body.

18/06/2026

SA's financial sector is entering a new era of regulation!

COFI is here, and traditional compliance checklists won't cut it. Firms must prioritize governance, customer outcomes, transparency & risk management.

• What does COFI mean for your business?
• How do FAIS requirements differ from COFI obligations?

Stay ahead of the game with our latest article:
Read now to ensure you're compliant:

South Africa’s regulatory landscape for financial services is changing. The proposed Conduct of Financial Institutions (COFI) framework reframes how firms are

17/06/2026

Join FIRA WhatsApp channel for your convenience

https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VbCOIaO6WaKp4Oge3X1F

Follow FIRA ( Funeral Industry Reformed Association )'s WhatsApp channel. The FIRA "chat group" was created for GENERAL funeral industry information/communication, seeking advice.

✅ PLEASE COMMUNICATE IN ENGLISH
* Be respectful to each other, there are people of all languages, race, political views and religions on the group.

🛑 DONT'S
NO ADVERTISING or MARKETING unless someone asks for recommendation.

* No racism or hate speech
* This is also NOT a funeral industry complaints group

FIRA reserves it right without prejudice to remove a member who violates the rules and contravenes any section of the law.

FIRA will not allow defamatory, malicious and vexatious messages on this channel and could not be held responsible if any member violates his or her position.

This channel is established for funeral associations, practitioners and not for insurers, manufacturers and suppliers.

Report problems to your funeral association, if it's a member of the public you're welcome visit our website www.fira.org.za or send an email [email protected]. Join 17 followers for the latest updates.

17/06/2026

PENSIONERS: CHECK YOUR SASSA DEDUCTIONS!

There are growing concerns that some elderly grant recipients may have been persuaded to sign up for funeral policies and other financial products without fully understanding the terms and conditions. In some cases, pensioners have reported being promised food parcels or assistance, only to later discover deductions being made from their grants.

Our elderly citizens deserve protection, transparency, and respect. A signature on a document does not always mean a person fully understood what they were agreeing to, especially when they are vulnerable, elderly, or placed under pressure.

📢 If you notice an unfamiliar deduction on your grant or believe you were misled into signing a policy:

✅ Report the matter immediately to your nearest SASSA office.
✅ Request a full explanation of any deductions appearing on your grant.
✅ Seek assistance from an organization that supports and advises social grant beneficiaries on their rights.
✅ Keep copies of all documents and records related to the policy.

SASSA, regulators, and insurance companies must strengthen protections for pensioners and ensure that elderly grant recipients are not exploited through misleading sales tactics.

💬 Have you, a family member, friend, or neighbour experienced unexpected deductions from a SASSA grant? Were you able to get assistance?

Share your experience in the comments. Your story could help others identify potential problems and know where to seek help.

17/06/2026

FIRA's response to the deputy minister Jane Sithole recent radio interview

Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA) believes that excessive red tape, inadequate legislation, poor implementation of existing laws, insufficient research, limited industry experience, and a lack of appropriate training continue to hamper economic development within the funeral industry and related sectors.

FIRA maintains that meaningful economic growth can only be achieved when regulatory frameworks are practical, transparent, and effectively enforced. While regulation is necessary to protect consumers and maintain industry standards, unnecessary bureaucracy and regulatory uncertainty often discourage investment, hinder transformation, and create barriers for both established businesses and emerging entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, FIRA believes that evidence-based policymaking, supported by proper research and consultation with industry stakeholders, is essential to address longstanding challenges facing the sector. Greater emphasis should also be placed on skills development, professional training, and capacity building to ensure that both public officials and industry participants are equipped to meet the evolving needs of the public.

FIRA calls for stronger cooperation between government, industry stakeholders, educational institutions, and communities to identify practical solutions that promote compliance, improve service delivery, encourage entrepreneurship, and stimulate sustainable economic development within the funeral industry and the broader economy.

By reducing unnecessary administrative obstacles, strengthening legislation where required, improving implementation, and investing in knowledge and training, South Africa can create an environment that supports growth, innovation, job creation, and greater public confidence in the funeral industry.

17/06/2026

Funeral Industry Body Raises Alarm Over Hospital Mortuary Arrangements https://www.atnews.co.za/funeral-industry-body-raises-alarm-over-hospital-mortuary-arrangements/

Funeral Industry Ombudsman

The recent media article highlights one of the many reasons why the Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA) initiated the proposal for a dedicated Funeral Industry Ombudsman. Unfortunately, the concept of an independent ombudsman has historically been opposed by certain funeral parlours and industry associations, despite the clear benefits such a body could provide to both consumers and funeral service providers.

FIRA maintains that an independent ombudsman, recognised as an impartial dispute-resolution mechanism, would assist in guiding the industry, promoting accountability, and addressing longstanding concerns relating to removals, storage fees, referrals, and other industry practices. Ombudsman schemes are generally founded on the principles of independence, impartiality, fairness, and accessibility, ensuring that complaints can be investigated without fear or favour.

One of the key issues requiring attention is the application of removal and storage fees throughout the funeral industry. FIRA is aware that certain funeral parlours belonging to industry associations operate according to internal "flat rate" arrangements amongst their members. However, such arrangements should not be used as a bargaining tool to attract membership, nor should they be manipulated to create advantages or disadvantages within the marketplace.

Associations do not possess legal authority to enforce pricing structures across the funeral industry as a whole. As a result, costs may vary significantly, often leaving consumers and smaller funeral parlours vulnerable to inconsistent practices. The absence of an independent oversight mechanism contributes to uncertainty and disputes regarding fees and service standards.

FIRA believes that a dedicated Funeral Industry Ombudsman would provide a fair platform to investigate complaints, mediate disputes between industry participants, and promote greater transparency regarding removals, storage charges, and referrals. Such a structure would also help establish industry-wide guidelines that protect consumers while ensuring that funeral service providers are treated fairly.

Furthermore, where hospitals, state mortuaries, religious institutions, or other facilities lack the infrastructure to accommodate deceased persons and must rely on an external funeral parlour for safekeeping, FIRA believes that transparent and standardised arrangements should be developed to prevent unnecessary financial burdens on grieving families. In many instances, families are not even aware of where their loved ones are being kept, making transparency and accountability essential.

FIRA has consistently advocated for greater regulation and oversight within the funeral sector, including the establishment of an industry code of conduct and an ombudsman scheme to protect both the public and legitimate funeral businesses.

The funeral industry requires an independent and credible dispute-resolution mechanism that serves the interests of consumers, funeral workers, funeral parlours, hospitals, government institutions, and all stakeholders within the funeral value chain. Such a body would contribute to fairness, transparency, accountability, and the long-term sustainability of the industry.

The Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA) has raised concerns about alleged exclusive arrangements between some private hospitals and funeral parlours,

15/06/2026

FIRA Raises Concerns Regarding Exclusive Hospital Removal Arrangements

Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA) has been made aware of allegations that certain private hospitals, which do not operate their own mortuary facilities, exclusively utilise the services of a specific funeral parlour for the removal and temporary storage of deceased persons. It has further been alleged that documentation relating to the removal process is, in some instances, already completed in favour of a particular funeral parlour before families have had an opportunity to exercise their own choice.

FIRA is concerned that such exclusive removal arrangements may unfairly benefit a single funeral parlour while failing to adequately consider the rights and wishes of grieving families. Families should be informed that they have the right to appoint a funeral service provider of their own choosing, and hospitals should ensure that this choice is respected and facilitated.

The association is further concerned that these arrangements may result in unnecessary financial burdens on consumers. Where a deceased person is removed and stored by a funeral parlour selected by the hospital, families who subsequently choose to utilise the services of another funeral provider may incur additional transfer and storage costs that could otherwise have been avoided.

FIRA acknowledges that there may be instances where hospitals do not possess the required mortuary infrastructure and are compelled to utilise the services of a particular funeral parlour to ensure that the deceased is treated with dignity and preserved appropriately. However, in such circumstances, FIRA believes that no additional costs should be imposed on families should they elect to appoint a different funeral parlour of their choice. Families should not be financially prejudiced because of arrangements made by institutions over which they have no control.

It is also of significant concern that many families are not informed where their loved ones are being held for safekeeping following their removal from a healthcare facility. Transparency regarding the location of the deceased, the reasons for the transfer, and any associated procedures should form part of the information provided to next of kin as a matter of urgency and respect.

FIRA further believes that the funeral industry should prioritise the development of fair and transparent flat-rate agreements amongst industry associations and participants to regulate removal and storage fees in circumstances involving inter-parlour transfers arising from hospital arrangements. Such measures would reduce disputes, prevent excessive charging, and protect bereaved families from unexpected financial hardship.

These concerns once again highlight the importance of establishing a dedicated and independent Funeral Industry Ombudsman. An ombudsman would provide an impartial platform to investigate complaints, mediate disputes between consumers, healthcare institutions and funeral service providers, and promote fair practices throughout the industry. In the absence of an independent oversight mechanism, consumers often have limited avenues for recourse during one of the most vulnerable periods of their lives.

FIRA believes that hospitals have an ethical obligation to provide families with impartial information and should refrain from practices that may create the perception of preferential treatment or limit consumer choice during a time of grief and vulnerability.

In light of these concerns, FIRA calls for greater transparency regarding removal and mortuary arrangements within healthcare facilities and encourages the relevant authorities to assess whether such practices are consistent with the principles of the Consumer Protection Act, 68 of 2008, particularly those relating to fair, reasonable and just business practices, as well as the consumer's right to choose their preferred supplier.

FIRA further urges families to enquire about all available options and to insist on their right to select the funeral parlour that best meets their needs, cultural practices, religious beliefs and financial circumstances.

Protecting the dignity of the deceased and safeguarding the rights of bereaved families must remain at the centre of all funeral-related services. No family should be disadvantaged, either financially or emotionally, by institutional arrangements that diminish transparency, restrict choice or create avoidable costs during a time of mourning.

14/06/2026

FIRA Calls for Urgent Clarity on Funeral Industry Investigations and Systemic Transparency

Kuruman missing deceased case and Drakenstein crematorium enquiry remain unresolved amid growing public concern

There is a pressing need to demystify the funeral undertaking industry, particularly within highly superstitious communities where misinformation and fear can easily take hold. Funeral practitioners provide an essential service to families during times of grief and vulnerability, yet they often face suspicion and misconceptions regarding the nature of their work.

FIRA has noted that, despite numerous allegations reported in the media and the proliferation of negative commentary on social media platforms, there appears to be no public indication that criminal charges have been laid or that formal criminal investigations have been initiated in relation to some of these claims. While this does not diminish the seriousness of any allegation, it underscores the importance of due process and the need to distinguish between allegations, speculation, and established facts.

FIRA further seeks clarity regarding earlier reported allegations involving the alleged disappearance or misplacement of three deceased persons in the Kuruman matter during the previous year. These matters continue to be widely discussed in public discourse and raise ongoing concerns about procedural integrity, chain-of-custody processes, and communication between relevant role players within the funeral and mortuary ecosystem.

In addition, FIRA seeks urgent clarity on the Drakenstein crematorium enquiry registered in Mbekweni on 01 December 2024. FIRA notes with concern that it has not received any formal feedback or updates from the investigating officers assigned to the matter, including Col Philander and Capt Batyi.

This enquiry relates to various allegations that have been raised in the media and across social media platforms, including claims of improper cremation practices and other serious procedural concerns, among them allegations that animals and human remains may have been cremated together. FIRA emphasises that these remain allegations as reported publicly and have not been independently verified by the organisation.

The delays, inefficiencies, and lack of transparent communication surrounding these concerns have contributed to growing public distrust in the system. In particular, the absence of clear updates from relevant stakeholders, including the South African Police Service (SAPS), implicated service providers, and associated industry bodies, has intensified uncertainty within affected communities.

FIRA does not seek to assign blame or make determinations regarding the veracity of any allegation. However, the absence of timely clarification or publicly available outcomes from investigative processes has created an information vacuum, which fuels speculation, mistrust, and reputational harm to the broader funeral profession.

Recent media reports and public discussions on social media have also raised additional concerns involving allegations against role players within the funeral industry. These matters collectively highlight the urgent need for coordinated, transparent, and independent processes to ensure that allegations are properly investigated and communicated.

FIRA notes that where serious concerns arise, they must be subjected to proper investigation by the relevant authorities. Equally, organisations and stakeholders implicated in public discourse should consider addressing the public openly and transparently in order to dispel uncertainty, correct misinformation where necessary, and preserve confidence in the profession.

FIRA respects public statements made by affected parties and reiterates that it is ultimately for the bereaved families and the relevant authorities to assess the facts and act upon verified information in accordance with the law. Allegations and public narratives that remain unresolved can have serious consequences. In the past, such uncertainty has contributed to hostility towards funeral practitioners, including intimidation, attacks, and even fatalities linked to vigilante responses based on rumour rather than verified evidence.

FIRA believes that transparency and responsible leadership are critical at such times. It is therefore important that all role players continue to engage openly with the public where appropriate, and that communication is maintained in a manner that protects both public trust and the safety of employees working within the industry.

The funeral industry serves communities across cultural, religious, and social divides. Efforts to educate the public about the role, responsibilities, and legal obligations of funeral undertakers should be prioritised by all stakeholders. By promoting understanding, encouraging due process, and discouraging vigilantism, the industry can help foster trust while ensuring that concerns are addressed through lawful and independent mechanisms rather than speculation or violence.

FIRA further reiterates that structural challenges within the industry often make it difficult for associations and federations to take decisive governance action when allegations involve individuals who may simultaneously occupy leadership positions. This reinforces the urgent need for independent oversight mechanisms, including a dedicated regulator, a funeral industry ombudsman, and ultimately a statutory body to govern the sector and ensure accountability, transparency, and public confidence.

FIRA calls on all relevant stakeholders, including SAPS, funeral service providers, and industry associations, to provide clarity on outstanding matters and to ensure that communication gaps are addressed in the interest of justice, transparency, and public trust.

Protecting the integrity of the funeral industry and the safety of those who work within it requires a collective commitment to truth, accountability, education, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. Only through coordinated and evidence-based engagement can confidence in this essential profession be restored and sustained.

Issued by:

Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA)

14/06/2026

FIRA Calls for Clarity, Transparency and the Demystification of the Funeral Industry

There is a pressing need to demystify the funeral undertaking industry, particularly within highly superstitious communities where misinformation and fear can easily take hold. Funeral practitioners provide an essential service to families during times of grief and vulnerability, yet they often face suspicion and misconceptions regarding the nature of their work.

FIRA has noted that, despite numerous allegations reported in the media and the proliferation of negative commentary on social media platforms, there appears to be no public indication that criminal charges have been laid or that formal criminal investigations have been initiated in relation to some of these claims. While this does not diminish the seriousness of any allegation, it underscores the importance of due process and the need to distinguish between allegations, speculation, and established facts.

Recent media reports and discussions on social media have raised a number of concerns involving allegations against role players within the funeral industry. Among these are public allegations relating to the disappearance of a bishop, claims that the remains of the deceased were allegedly replaced with bricks, and questions arising from public statements issued by the funeral service provider involved. These matters have generated significant public interest, speculation, and emotional responses from communities.

FIRA does not seek to determine the truthfulness or otherwise of these allegations. Rather, FIRA emphasises that where serious concerns of this nature arise, they should be subjected to proper investigation by the relevant authorities. Equally, organisations and businesses implicated in public controversies should consider addressing the public openly and transparently in order to dispel uncertainty, correct misinformation where necessary, and preserve confidence in the profession.

FIRA however respects the public statement that Icebolethu Funeral Group has made in relation to the matter. It is ultimately for the bereaved family, and the relevant authorities, to assess the facts, act upon the statements received, and determine the appropriate course of action in line with the law and established investigative processes.

Allegations and public narratives that remain unanswered can have serious consequences. Acts and insinuations of the kind currently being alluded to have, in the past, contributed to hostility towards funeral practitioners, resulting in attacks, intimidation, and even the killing of funeral staff by vigilante groups acting on rumours rather than verified evidence.

FIRA believes that transparency and responsible leadership are critical at such times. It is therefore important that Icebolethu Group continues to engage openly with the public through their association and provides clear communication to address concerns, where appropriate. Such engagement is not only necessary to protect the reputation and dignity of the funeral industry, but also to safeguard the lives and wellbeing of employees who may become unintended targets of public anger, misinformation, and fear.

The funeral industry serves communities across cultural, religious, and social divides. Efforts to educate the public about the role, responsibilities, and legal obligations of funeral undertakers should be prioritised by all stakeholders. By promoting understanding, encouraging due process, and discouraging vigilantism, the industry can help foster trust while ensuring that concerns are addressed through lawful and independent mechanisms rather than through speculation or violence.

FIRA further notes that it is often difficult for industry associations to take disciplinary or governance action against members who are simultaneously subject to allegations while holding positions of leadership within associations or federations.This structural challenge reinforces the importance of independent oversight mechanisms. It is for this reason that FIRA has consistently highlighted the need for a dedicated regulator, an independent funeral industry ombudsman, and ultimately a statutory body to govern the sector and ensure accountability, fairness, and public confidence.

FIRA further calls on communities and industry stakeholders to allow any allegations to be properly investigated by the relevant authorities before drawing conclusions. No funeral practitioner, employee, or business should be subjected to threats, attacks, or public condemnation without verified facts. Equally, funeral service providers have a responsibility to cooperate fully with investigations and to communicate transparently when public confidence in the profession is at stake.

FIRA also calls upon industry associations to provide leadership and clarity during periods of uncertainty. The public expects organisations representing funeral practitioners to uphold ethical standards, promote accountability, and support processes that ensure fairness to all parties involved. Competitors should refrain from exploiting allegations to discredit one another, while associations should not shy away from their responsibility to address matters affecting the integrity of the profession.

Protecting the integrity of the funeral industry and the safety of those who work within it requires a collective commitment to truth, accountability, education, transparency, and respect for the rule of law. Only through responsible leadership, due process, and evidence-based engagement can public confidence in this essential profession be preserved.

Issued by:

Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA)

12/06/2026

FIRA Calls for Clarity on Illegal Cemeteries and the Protection of Funeral Parlours

Funeral Industry Reformed Association (FIRA) believes that recent media reports concerning burials undertaken at locations not generally recognised as formal cemeteries raise important questions that require urgent attention from the relevant authorities.

FIRA has to question how many illegal cemeteries currently exist in South Africa and what mechanisms are in place to identify and regulate such burial sites. The existence of unauthorised burial grounds has implications not only for public health and municipal planning, but also for funeral parlours that may unknowingly become involved in funeral arrangements where the burial destination has not been properly verified.

In circumstances where families choose graves or cemeteries that are not known to funeral parlours, municipalities, or members of the public, FIRA asks what legal protections exist for funeral service providers who act in good faith based on the instructions provided by the family of the deceased.

FIRA further calls for clarity from the Department of Home Affairs regarding burial orders issued following the registration of a death. Specifically, FIRA asks whether burial orders indicate the name and location of the cemetery where the deceased is intended to be buried, and if not, whether additional safeguards should be considered to strengthen accountability and traceability within the burial process.

FIRA also recognises that some burials take place on land associated with religious institutions, including cemeteries situated on church property. In this regard, religious leaders and faith-based organisations should form part of the national discussion to ensure there is a clear understanding of the legal requirements governing such burials. Where churches maintain cemeteries or permit burials on their premises, there should be certainty regarding authorisations obtained, compliance with applicable legislation, record-keeping obligations, and the responsibilities of all parties involved.

These questions are not intended to undermine the cultural, religious, and traditional burial practices that exist across South Africa's diverse communities. Rather, they seek to ensure that all stakeholders—including grieving families, funeral practitioners, municipalities, government departments, traditional leaders, and religious leaders—operate within a framework that promotes transparency, compliance with applicable laws, and the dignity of the deceased.

FIRA believes that a broader national discussion is required involving the Department of Home Affairs, municipalities, the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs, traditional leaders, religious leaders, and funeral industry representatives to determine whether current systems adequately address these concerns and to identify practical solutions where gaps may exist.

The funeral industry cannot reasonably be expected to assume responsibility for burial sites selected independently by families where there is no practical means of verifying whether such sites are authorised. Greater cooperation between all stakeholders is therefore essential to protect the interests of the public, uphold the dignity of the deceased, and provide clarity regarding the legal obligations of funeral service providers.

This addition acknowledges the important role of religious institutions in burial practices while emphasising that religious leaders should also be part of discussions aimed at improving oversight, accountability, and compliance within the broader burial environment in South Africa.