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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS & VIDEO - Funerals in Graaff-Reinet now only see 50 or fewer people attending the ceremonies.

Abie le Roux, owner of Le Roux Funeral Services, said he is doing his best to adhere to President Cyril Ramaphosa's instruction that no more than 50 people may attend a funeral.

"It is difficult because funerals are cultural and people gather in their hundreds to show their last respect to their loved ones," Le Roux said.

Undertakers have no choice but to keep the attendance at no more than 50 people. Le Roux said he consults with the family and church leaders before the funeral, informing them of the rules and regulations during the time of Covid-19.

He only prints 50 funeral letters at a time.

He said the fact that mourners may not travel from other towns or provinces does bring the number of people attending funerals down. "Where there were usually more than five taxis at a time transporting mourners, we now only have one per funeral," he added.

Le Roux also has attendance lists in place, as prescribed during the 21-day lockdown.

Another step to reduce the number of mourners is to hold funerals during the week, Le Roux said.

The Advertiser visited a funeral on Saturday 28 March. Chairs were empty and only five cars, including a taxi, were following the two funeral vehicles. At the cemetery, only three cars were waiting.

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