2009-10-22: City coordinates contributions for funeral oF Eldorado Park boy
THE City of Johannesburg will join private donors in contributing to the funeral arrangements of the nine-year old, Gregory Neethling, who drowned in the Klip River earlier this week.
The Eldorado Park youngster will be buried on Friday.
The Executive Mayor of Johannesburg, Clr Amos Masondo, expressed his condolences with family and friends of Gregory. "This was a tragic event, but it united the city in common concern for his life while the search was on and a shared grief about his death," says Mayor Masondo.
"I trust that this unfortunate incident will, again, remind all of us of the need to protect our children and to observe safety rules regarding danger,such as water, fire, electricity and construction sites."
MPDM Funerals has offered to provide services to the family including the hearse, the family car, the gravesite, and the casket. The City will provide transport through Metro Bus to friends and members of the community who will be attending the burial.
Johannesburg's disaster management has worked together with private donors to provide a tent and chairs, gas stoves and fresh produce.
The City's chaplain services have facilitated the funeral arrangements and will also provide counselling to the families of Gregory and his friend who was with him before the drowning.
Mayor Masondo praised the City Emergency Services who conducted the search for the young boy under very dangerous circumstances. "They should be commended for their bravery and persistence above and beyond the call of duty," he said.
Issued by:
Gabu Tugwana
Communication Director
Public Liaison Department
City of Johannesburg
Office of the Executive Mayor
Tel: 011 407-7162
Fax: 011 339-1531
Cell: 082 495 5673
