In South Africa, the cost of a funeral ranges from R3,000.00 to R50,000.00. Lower-income people are said to spend between R3,000 and R10,000 on a funeral to cover various costs. A funeral costs between R12,000.00 and R50,000.00 for the middle class.

The super-rich spend millions of rands to bury their loved ones. There are several ways to budget for these expenses. A funeral cover, for example, can cost as little as R49.00 per month and is one way to plan for funeral expenses.

A funeral cover is a good assurance plan that one can take to ensure that they are buried in the manner that they desire. Without a funeral plan, a person’s surviving relatives will bear the burden of a burial.

For those who do not have a funeral plan, there are other options, such as a burial society or a lump sum payment from life insurance if the policy owner dies. One of the policies’ proceeds can be used to cover funeral expenses.

However, if you do not have a life insurance policy with a funeral benefit, a funeral plan, or are not a member of a burial society, the costs of your funeral will be borne by your heirs. Some people may put money in an investment account or a savings account for funeral expenses.

When planning a funeral, there are numerous factors to consider. This includes those who have funeral insurance, as they may be underinsured on their current policy. The type of funeral you want will have a significant impact on the cost of a funeral.

One will have to choose between cremation and a funeral. For a funeral, the following should be considered:

• Cost of a coffin, 
• Cost of a grave plot, 
• Tombstone cost, 
• Undertaker fees, 
• Cost of catering, 
• Transportation cost, and
• Cost of a venue. 

We look at the Costs of a funeral in detail below. 

Cost of a Coffin 

Depending on the design, a coffin can cost anywhere from R450.00 to R15,000.00. Coffins are mostly used by the lower classes because the cost of a funeral can be prohibitively expensive for them. Many South Africans can afford a casket through a funeral plan or savings.

A casket in South Africa costs between R8,000.00 and R50,000.00. Purchasing a casket for a funeral will necessitate significant savings, and ensuring that you obtain a good casket may necessitate paying high premiums to a funeral plan.

Cost of a Grave Plot

A grave is required for those who don’t want to be cemented. South African rural areas have designated graveyards where community members can be buried without having to pay for a plot. Those living in cities, on the other hand, will have to dig deep into their pockets to purchase a burial plot.

The price of a grave plot varies according to the municipality where the grave will be located. A burial plot can range in price from R1,500.00 to R8,000.00. A park plot is even more expensive, with prices ranging from R24,500.00 to R360,000.00 for an eight-family plot.

A park plot includes extra features such as benches and trees, raising the price of the plot in these areas.

Undertaker fees 

The cost of the Undertaker varies depending on the services selected. An undertaking can cost from R3,500.00 to tens of thousands of Rands. The costs of an undertaking include body storage, death certificate processing, use of a hearse, and body preparation.

Catering costs

The cost of catering is heavily influenced by the number of people who attend a funeral. Catering costs can range from R1,000.00 to R20,000.00 in a rural setting. A cow is used in most traditions and can be purchased for R6,000.00 to R15,000.00, plus the cost of other ingredients.

The middle and upper classes tend to spend more on catering, with costs running into thousands of rands. In the Middle and Upper classes, a catering company is primarily used for funeral catering.

Cost of transportation 

In South Africa, the use of a hearse is required for many funerals. The cost of hiring a hearse is included in the undertaking fees. However, additional costs will be incurred if repatriation is required.

For repatriation, additional insurance can be purchased to cover repatriation from anywhere in South Africa and abroad. Sending a body to another country costs around R15,000.00. The cost of repatriation varies by country, making it one of the most important costs to consider.

The cost of a venue

A funeral may require the use of a venue. A funeral venue in South Africa costs between R1000.00 and R10,000.00. The cost of hiring a venue can be increased by including catering and decoration.

A funeral venue may not be required, and a tent can be used to set up a home funeral. Tent rental prices range from R750.00 to R5,000.00. Tents are a better option than renting a funeral venue. 

Choosing cremation

Another option is to have the body cremated. Cremation costs between R6,000.00 and R10,000.00 in South Africa. An urn will need to be purchased, and the cost will vary depending on the design. An urn price can range between a few thousand rands to hundreds of thousands of rands for a custom-made design.

Conclusion

Planning a funeral in South Africa entails a number of expenses that must be considered. The cost of a funeral can be budgeted for in advance by setting aside funds or investing for these future expenses.

A burial society or a funeral cover is the best way to plan a funeral. With some assurance, the burial society and a funeral plan can help in taking care of the costs that come with a funeral.