23 Mar The high cost of funerals in South Africa
In 2024, South Africa was rated as the fourth most costly country for funerals, with costs about 3% above the global average. The cost of a funeral can range from R 3 000 – R 50 000 or more, depending on preferences, catering and income levels.
Where cremation is chosen, cardboard coffins are increasingly acceptable, not only because they are less expensive than a traditional coffin but because they are eco-friendly and biodegradable. Even for people who can afford an expensive coffin, the functional practicality and sustainability aspects of an eco-friendly coffin is appealing. Nonetheless, when you add in costs such as the funeral arrangements, it remains a costly exercise if not planned for.
Eco-coffins are generally not favoured by many South Africans where culture favours traditional, higher-cost funerals to signify respect and a dignified send-off of the deceased. However, whether it’s a lavish or less costly funeral, funeral costs can result in increasing debt in a country where over indebtedness is already at a tipping point.
Salt EB has offered and administered funeral cover for 70 years and provides expert advice to companies wanting to offer this service to its employees. The structuring of an effective funeral cover scheme is one thing, but the real benefit of partnering with Salt EB emerges when beneficiaries claim. Salt EB has the technology, processes, call-centres and physical walk-in centres to smoothen the claim process at a traumatic time. Speak to one of our consultants today, vermaakw@salteb.co.za
salteb.co.za
Salt Employee Benefits has built a 70-year track record in the management of funeral cover and is South Africa’s biggest independent pension fund administration company.