The department is warning that this could lead to public health risks.

Over 3,000 funeral industry employees are planning to down tools from Monday. 

They have vowed to not collect corpses after government's failure to respond to their demands. 

Funeral parlour directors are demanding that the outsourcing of mortuary facilities be recognised and legalised.

They also want the amendment of municipal by-laws to enable cluster storage. 

The department says funeral parlours must be in possession of a valid competence certificate and inspections will continue. 

However, the department says it is also willing to continue holding meetings until all issues are resolved.

eNCA