Councillors Funeral Policy

COUNCILLORS FUNERAL POLICY

1.  INTRODUCTION

·  The Ga –Segonyana Local Municipality is desirous of ensuring that families of Councillors who pass away while in the active duty of the Municipality receive the necessary support,

·  That there is uniformity in relation to the manner in which assistance to the bereaved families is extended;

·  Ga – Segonyana Local Municipality therefore agrees to render assistance and pay its last respect s to the bereaved families of the deceased councilors in the following manner:

2.  DEFINITIONS

2.1.  In this policy unless the context indicates otherwise-

I.  “ councillor ” means a councilor as defined in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 117 of 1998.

II.  “ family member” means any individual related by blood or affinity whose close association with the councilor is the equivalent of a family member.

3.  OBJECTIVES OF THE POLICY

To provide assistance to the bereaved families of councilors during the passing away of councilors while in the active duty of the Municipality.

4.  POLICY APPLICATION

This policy applies to all councilors of Ga –Segonyana Municipality who are in the active duty of the Municipality and duly appointed in terms of the Local Government: Municipal Systems Act, No. 117 of 1998.

5.  BASIC POLICY PRINCIPLES

5.1.  The funeral policy of the municipality shall be guided by the following principles:

5.1.1.  MEMORIAL SERVICE

5.1.1.1.  The municipality will organize a memorial service for any councilor who passed away;

5.1.1.2.  The municipality will provide the venue for the memorial service;

5.1.1.3.  The municipality will assist with all the arrangements of the programme taking into account individual’s beliefs and religion, in cooperation with the councillor’s family.

5.1.2.  THE BEREAVED FAMILY”S RESPONSIBILITY

5.1.2.1. Inform the Speaker or Mayor

5.1.2.2. Submit death certificate and relevant documentation to the Human Resources Section.

5.1.3  THE MUNICIPALITY’S RESPONSIBILITY

5.1.3.1. Representation of the municipality at the memorial service by

·  Mayor or Speaker

5.1.3.2. Transport shall be provided for the attendance of the funeral of the deceased councilor for his/her colleagues

5.1.3.3. Provision of vehicle(s) for funerals taking place outside the boundaries of the municipality, dictated by the number of interested colleagues wishing to attend the funeral

5.1.3.4. Provision of the following municipal related technical services, on request by the bereaved family; within the boundaries of Ga – Segonyana

·  Supply of water and grading of street for local councilors

·  Supply of fire wood

5.1.3.5. A Task Team will be established on a temporary basis to assist the bereaved family in the arrangement of the funeral.

5.1.4. COUNCIL/MUNICIPAL FINANCIAL CONTRIBUTION

5.1.4.1. The council will make a contribution of R50000,00 (fifty thousand rands) towards the funeral and/or related costs of a Councillor. and

5.1.4.2. A contribution of R2 500,00 (two thousand rands) towards the funeral of a Ward Committee member.

·  Counillors must have their own funeral cover policies.

·  For auditing purposes the municipal financial procedure of checks and balances will apply.

5.1.4.3. The Corporate Services will be responsible for the following:

The Human Resources section will report the death to the relevant Pension or Retirement Fund and assist with the completion of claims for benefits.

6.  POLICY NORMS,VALUES AND PRINCIPLES

6.1.  The whole process must be underpinned by among others, the following; fairness, equity, honesty, transparency, qualitative, openness and unbiasness.

6.2.  The following statutes shall form the basis of the municipality’s Funeral Policy:

·  Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996

·  Municipal Systems Act, 32 of 2000

·  Municipal Structures Act, 117 of 1998

·  Municipal Finance Management Act,56 of 2003

7.  BENEFICIARY POLICY TARGET

The beneficiary targets of this policy are the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality Councillors.

8.  POLICY IMPLEMENTATION AUTHORITY

The authority to ensure the implementation of this policy shall lie with Corporate Services Department through the Human Resources Section.

9.  POLICY ADVISORY AUTHORITY

To be in line with principle of checks and balances, as provided for by the Ga-Segonyana Local Municipality.

10.  POLICY AUTHORISATION AUTHORITY

The Council will remain the principal source of authority.

11.  INTERPRETATION

In the event of any inconsistence between this policy and any other government legislation, such legislation prevails.

12.  TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

Any thing which has been done in terms of any other policy or decision prior to this one, and which may be done in terms of this policy, must be regarded as having been done in terms of this policy.

2