Herman Bartie, Baviaanskloof Community Feeding Scheme founder and coordinator,
Nontuthuzelo Winifred Zawula, 83, died in Beaconvale Community Frail Care Centre on July 16.
I went to the facility to enquire about her and was told that she has a burial fund.
I contacted the burial company, who said that the money was too little and I paid the shortfall of R2 700.
I spoke to centre intake officer Gangama Williams, who said that Ms Zawula came in with nothing and had no personal belongings.
I asked them for a donation of sugar, milk and coffee for the funeral but nothing was forthcoming.
Ms Williams called to say that centre manager Raymond Mitchell had said that they were not able to help.
Each time I called, he was unavailable and every time I visited he was not there.
I feel that the centre has given us a raw deal.
Ms Zawula stayed in Freedom Park for 20-years and I took care of her.
I can confirm that Ms Zawula was a resident at the centre.
I can confirm that the deceased had no family relatives at intake.
When she died we got services from an undertaker to take care of the burial arrangements and gave her a dignified funeral.
We followed protocol to contact the people who referred her and at this juncture the church offered to take care of the arrangements with added activities.
It is clear should the church or any community worker want to do extra then this is unfortunately for their own pocket.
Our funeral undertaker would have done all services from storage, service until the grave at a minimal fee.
However the church opted to remove the body to another undertaker and this will be for their account.
There is no need to raise funds for a funeral that was already covered and that whoever wants to add frills must do that at their cost.
We provided her with basic care as a resident.
We hope Ma Winifred will be laid to rest with dignity.