National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa - Nafupa SA

24/05/2026

20/05/2026

https://nfba.co.za/nomination/

Here is the nomination link for the 2nd National Funeral Business Awards at the Durban ICC on 28 June 2026.

Members of the public are invited to nominate their preferred undertaker, funeral business, or service provider in one category of their choice for the National Funeral Business Awards 2026.

20/05/2026

NAFUPA SA – 30 DAY REPORT TO MEMBERS
20 May 2026 | 17:45 | South Africa

Dear Members,

It is with great pleasure that we present this 30-day report reflecting on the progress and achievements made by the current National Executive Committee (NEC) since being elected into office on 20 April 2026.

Over the past 30 days, the NEC has worked tirelessly to ensure that NAFUPA SA continues to grow and serve the interests of undertakers and funeral practitioners across South Africa.

One of the first major decisions taken by the NEC within 24 hours of assuming office was the reduction of the membership affiliation fee from R1500 to only R500. This decision was informed by the difficult economic conditions currently facing both undertakers and the general public. The continuous increase in fuel prices has contributed to rising food costs and placed financial pressure on many families and businesses. As a result, many people are operating on very tight budgets and focusing only on basic necessities.

This economic pressure has also negatively affected spending within the funeral services industry, thereby impacting business cash flow for many operators. The NEC therefore found it necessary to reduce membership costs in order to make NAFUPA SA more accessible and supportive to industry stakeholders.

We are pleased to report that this intervention has already yielded positive results. More than 65 new members have joined NAFUPA SA within the past 30 days, and new applications continue to come in daily. This is a clear testimony that NAFUPA SA remains the people’s trusted choice within the funeral industry.

We also appreciate the strong media attention and exposure received during this period. In less than 25 days, NAFUPA SA participated in more than five media interviews, helping to strengthen the voice and visibility of the organisation nationally.

In KwaZulu-Natal, particularly within the eThekwini Region, the organisation successfully fought and won two important battles through the leadership of the KZN PEC. We extend our sincere appreciation to Mr Gumede of Isizwe Sethu Funeral Services, former Provincial Chairperson and now KZN Convener, together with Ms Shazi of Abothando Funeral Services, for their dedication and cooperation with the 1st Deputy Secretary General responsible for deployment matters.

At the same time, we would also like to acknowledge and appreciate the contributions made by members of the previous NEC. We remain grateful to continue working together with them in advancing the mission of the organisation.

The NEC is proud to report the successful rollout of the following programmes:

1. National YBD Training in partnership with Home Affairs
2. Hearse Trailer Easy Payment Plan
3. Website Easy Payment Plan
4. Introduction of the new NAFUPA SA System, designed to provide members with easier access to information and important documents
5. Training and Skills Development Programmes aimed at empowering members and supporting business growth

Furthermore, it is with great excitement that we announce the introduction of the new NEC image and the refreshed organisational identity that will distinguish NAFUPA SA from other associations in the industry.

As we continue building the organisation, we are also preparing for a historic milestone. The first week of August 2026 will mark 10 years of trusted representation and service to the people of South Africa. A three-day celebration is scheduled to take place on the 9th, 10th, and 11th of August 2026.

Members are encouraged to begin preparing for this once-in-a-lifetime achievement and are invited to submit suggestions regarding activities and programmes they would like to see during the celebrations. The Secretary General will issue a formal statement regarding the celebration week and will continue providing updates from time to time.

Lastly, the NEC would like to sincerely thank both old and new members for their unwavering support and confidence in the leadership of NAFUPA SA. We also encourage members to continue working closely with conveners and coordinators, who remain available 24/7 to attend to members’ needs and concerns.

Together, we continue to build a stronger and united funeral industry.

Issued by:
Muzi Hlengwa
President – NAFUPA SA
084 284 8400

14/05/2026

07/05/2026

OFFICIAL STATEMENT BY NAFUPA SA -
National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (NAFUPA SA)

Date: 7 May 2026
Time: 08:35 AM
Issued in: Durban

OFFICIAL STATEMENT TO GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS

The National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (NAFUPA SA) wishes to place on record its deep concern regarding the growing challenges faced by small businesses, particularly Black-owned and African-owned enterprises operating within the funeral sector and related industries in South Africa.

As an organization representing funeral practitioners and small business operators across the country, we believe there are critical realities that government departments and public officials must understand and acknowledge.

1. Businesses Do Not Start Big

No successful business begins at the top without support, investment, opportunity, and access to funding. Small businesses require an enabling environment to grow and contribute meaningfully to the economy.

2. Historical Economic Exclusion

African people were systematically and economically excluded from meaningful participation in the economy for many decades. The effects of that exclusion are still visible today.

3. Ongoing Economic Disadvantage

Black businesses in general, and African-owned businesses in particular, continue to face serious economic disadvantages, including limited access to funding, opportunities, infrastructure, and institutional support.

4. Corruption Creates Economic Imbalances

Fraud and corruption by government officials distort fair competition and create economic imbalances within industries. Corruption weakens public trust and undermines honest businesses trying to operate lawfully.

5. Compliance Must Not Be Used as a Weapon

Compliance measures are meant to regulate industries fairly and professionally — not to prevent people from trading, intimidate small businesses, or selectively target certain operators.

6. Government Must Assist Small Businesses

Government has a responsibility to assist small businesses in understanding and meeting compliance requirements. Compliance must empower businesses, not destroy livelihoods.

7. Government Must Create a Conducive Business Environment

Small businesses are the backbone of economic growth and community development. Government must ensure a fair, transparent, and supportive environment that allows emerging businesses to grow sustainably.

8. Job Creation Requires a Strong Business Sector

Government alone does not have the means or capacity to employ everyone. Sustainable job creation depends on a growing and supported private sector. Supporting small businesses means supporting employment and economic stability.

9. Government Needs Business to Sustain Service Delivery

Government depends on taxpayers and the business sector to generate revenue needed for service delivery. A healthy partnership between government and business is essential for national development.

10. Outsourcing Is Legal in South Africa

Outsourcing is lawful in South Africa and is practiced across both the public and private sectors, including by government itself. Policies and regulations must therefore be applied consistently and fairly to all.

- CALL FOR FAIRNESS, CONSULTATION, AND ACCOUNTABILITY

NAFUPA SA rejects any attempt to introduce contradictory rules, selective enforcement, or administrative practices that unfairly block small businesses from operating and growing.

We further raise concern about widespread allegations and experiences of fraud and corruption within various government institutions, including but not limited to Home Affairs, government hospitals, mortuaries, and other public institutions. Corruption cannot be tolerated, ignored, or selectively addressed.

The law must apply equally to everyone. Small businesses cannot be treated harshly while large corporations receive preferential treatment or protection. Fairness and equal application of the law are fundamental principles of justice and democracy.

NOTHING ABOUT US WITHOUT US

As stakeholders directly affected by government decisions, policies, and regulations, we state clearly:

> There is nothing about us without us.

NAFUPA SA demands meaningful consultation and engagement on every decision, policy, regulation, or enforcement process that affects funeral practitioners and small businesses within our sector.

We will continue to defend the rights, dignity, and economic participation of our members through lawful, disciplined, and democratic means.

NAFUPA SA remains patient, responsible, and committed to constructive engagement. However, we will not remain silent while our members are bullied, undermined, or unfairly targeted.

Issued by:
Muzi Hlengwa
President — National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa (NAFUPA SA)

Contact: 084 284 8400

Issued in: Durban
Date: 7 May 2026
Time: 08:35 AM