Load Shedding and Heatwave Cause Chaos in South African Funeral Services Sector
The South African funeral services sector is currently facing a state of instability as a result of persistent load shedding and a severe heatwave. According to the SA Funeral Practitioners’ Association (Safpa), bodies are decomposing at a faster rate, while mortuary cold rooms are struggling to maintain cool temperatures within 24 hours. Urgent action is needed to address these challenges and prevent further disruptions in the multibillion-rand industry.
Xoliswa Badashe, the deputy secretary-general of Safpa, highlighted the operational difficulties that funeral parlours are facing due to load shedding. She urged the government to allocate land for the construction of additional mortuary cold rooms to store bodies properly. Badashe also called for government assistance in the form of subsidies for funeral parlours to acquire generators and fuel.
With an estimated 70,000 undertakers active in the domestic market, the funeral services sector contributes between R5 billion to R10 billion annually to the fiscus. However, the current situation is taking a toll on their operations and finances. Load shedding is causing bodies to decay rapidly, and even with the use of generators, the pressure on funeral parlours is overwhelming due to limited financial resources and storage facilities.
One of the major issues faced by funeral parlours, particularly in the Western Cape, is the acute lack of space in body storage facilities. Badashe emphasized the need for government intervention in allocating land for the construction of additional mortuary cold rooms. This would have a significant positive impact on the service provided to bereaved families, as bodies need to be maintained in good condition.
In addition to the challenges faced by funeral parlours, delays in obtaining death certificates during the registration process at the Department of Home Affairs are also causing further hardships for bereaved families. This often forces them to postpone burials, adding to their emotional distress.
Badashe believes that government regulation of the funeral services sector is essential to ensure compliance with expected standards and curb the proliferation of unscrupulous providers and unregistered undertakers. She called for a professionalized industry and requested government collaboration to regulate the sector effectively.
The funeral services industry in South Africa has been growing at a rate of approximately 12% annually, according to analytical firm Research and Markets. However, the current challenges posed by load shedding and the heatwave threaten the stability and profitability of the sector. Funeral parlours are incurring additional costs, and their profit margins are being affected by the rising diesel prices during stage 6 load shedding.
It is crucial for the government to understand the frustration and impact these issues have on bereaved families. By subsidizing funeral parlours in acquiring generators and fuel and facilitating the construction of additional cold rooms, the government can provide crucial support to this essential industry.
The SA Funeral Practitioners’ Association implores the government to take urgent action to address the challenges faced by the funeral services sector. By doing so, they can ensure that bodies are properly preserved, families receive timely services, and the industry can continue to contribute significantly to the country’s economy.
