One rule for them? ANC accused of ‘ignoring own laws’ at funeral

The funeral service for struggle veteran Andrew Mlangeni took place on Tuesday, but it wasn’t without controversy. The deceased was returned home to Soweto, but the event saw crowds gather and social distancing laws flouted by prominent ANC members and their supporters.

The casket has been taken inside Mlangeni residence to allow the family to view Ntate Andrew Mlangeni's body. #RIPAndrewMlangeni pic.twitter.com/G9IJAugdZc

— KhayelihleKhumalo (@KhayaJames) July 28, 2020

‘Lack of social distancing’ reported at Andrew Mlangeni funeral

Hundreds lined the streets to pay their respect to a fallen giant, but those crowds spilled over when the coffin was being transported. Despite the presence of masks and hand sanitiser, the close proximity of the mourners made a mockery of rules which have prevented families up and down the country from giving their loved ones a proper send-off during this COVID-19 crisis.

No more than 50 people are allowed to gather at funerals, with burials and ceremonies now strictly regulated. Family members have had to make tough decisions about attending these services, as the risk of infection remains high. Understandably, the scenes from Tuesday left many citizens feeling ticked-off.

So unfair that the family gets to see him for the last time. My grandmother who tested negative for Covid19 was buried today we couldn't have her body over like we do culturally. We couldn't even see her for the last time….I guess The Mlangeni's need not follow protocol

— The 🌸 (@floow_etry) July 28, 2020

ANC hit back over crowding claims

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula has rejected these claims, however. He states that the ANC delegation did follow the rules, and the large gathering was quickly dispersed after it happened “spontaneously”:

“The people of Soweto came out spontaneously. The nation is depressed and everything is toxic around us, we get criticised without facts. The reality is that there were less than 10 of us at first. When the coffin arrived, the family came forward, then the public came forward, and the marshalls tried to push them back.”

“There was no commotion, there was order. People had their masks on, there was sanitiser. I’ve seen the criticism and it happens all the time. It was not a planned act at all, people are acting on assumptions.”

Fikile Mbalula