The UTT also said it wanted government to consult the industry before making any decisions that may affect it.
"We want government to introduce programmes that seeks to assist struggling funeral undertakers who were previously disadvantaged particularly black-owned funeral undertakers, for them to be able to comply with the requirements. Not shut them down."The South African Funeral Practitioners Association had, however, said it would not be taking part in the national shutdown.
"We are dealing with lifeless bodies. This approach is too radical for our industry. Not collecting a body even for a day is a disaster; how much more for three days. This is inhumane and destructive," Ngcobo told News24.