Choosing the right funeral cover for your family's dignity

IN many South African communities, a funeral is more than a private family matter. It is a cultural commitment that brings neighbours, relatives, and friends together to honour the life of someone who has passed away, and to give them a dignified sendoff.

- NASIA SEYUBA

While the rituals carry deep meaning, the financial reality is heavy. With families paying for the casket, burial plot, and headstone, as well as catering for mourners and, in some cases, repatriating the body to the persons place of birth, South Africa is ranked among the most expensive countries in the world to hold a funeral.

From the moment someone becomes late, the family home is filled with visitors. Out of respect, visitors are offered tea or a meal, depending on the time of day.

This generosity, while central to many cultures, can quickly add up. It is why many families look to funeral policies as a way to protect not just the dignity of their loved ones, but also their own financial dignity.

More than 15 million South Africans have funeral policies, with many holding more than one.