Mhlaba Memela

Mhlaba Memela

The uMnambithi municipality, in northern KwaZulu-Natal, will pay the funeral costs for the burial of a 20-month-old boy who drowned in a hole filled with water last week.

Thabo Seisa died after he fell into the hole while playing at his home in Acaciavale.

Previously, the municipality had distanced itself from taking responsibility, saying they had nothing to do with the toddler's death. This was despite its workers having left a 1,5m deep hole uncovered for days.

But after Sowetan 's intervention, the municipality changed its tune and agreed to pay the funeral costs.

Thabo's grandmother, Veronica Seisa, a domestic worker, had earlier said her employer had agreed to bury her grandchild.

"Mrs Desiree Heunis offered to bury my grandchild because we are poor. But late on Monday the municipality said they were prepared to pay the funeral costs.

"Money cannot replace my child's life. But we happy that they have agreed to pay for the funeral," she said.

Seisa also wants the municipality to explain why its employees were negligent.

"This kind of negligence is unforgivable, we lost a child," she said, sobbing.

Local mayor Dudu Mazibuko said the municipality cannot distance itself from Thabo's death.

"We are investigating and will take the necessary steps once our probe is completed. We met with the family and agreed to pay for the funeral. We also share their pain for losing a child," she said.

Thabo will be buried today.