Un attended Funeral

R9500.00

Collection Of Deaceased 24/7
Care of the Deceased
Preperation of the Deaceased
Preperation of all Documentation for Cremation
Returning Your Loved One's Ashes
Returning Copy Of Bi1663 | Id | Death Certificate

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What is a Unattended Cremation?

An unattended cremation, frequently referred to as a direct cremation, still cremation, or private cremation within the South African context, offers a profoundly dignified yet remarkably straightforward funeral option. This service is characterized by the cremation of the deceased occurring without any formal funeral service, ceremony, or family attendance at the crematorium. It stands as a compassionate choice that prioritizes both simplicity and affordability, while never compromising on the utmost respect and meticulous care extended to your loved one throughout the entire process. This particular option is increasingly chosen by families who may desire the flexibility to hold a separate, personalized memorial service or scattering of ashes at a later date, at a location and time that suits their needs. It's also a highly considerate solution for those seeking a more budget-conscious, yet entirely honorable and respectful farewell. Crucially, even though no attendees are present at the cremation itself, our team diligently manages all necessary legal requirements, practical arrangements, and transportation, ensuring a seamless and burden-free experience for the bereaved. This allows families to focus on remembrance and healing, secure in the knowledge that all details are professionally handled.

What To Do When A Loved One Passes

Procedure 1

Call Doctor/Ambulance:

Procedure 2

Obtain BI-1663 (Notification of Death): The medical professional completes this crucial form at the time of death.

Procedure 3

Engage a Funeral Director: Appoint a registered funeral director to handle the deceased and make the necessary arrangements.

Procedure 4

Transport Deceased: The funeral director collects and transports the deceased to appropriate care facilities.

Procedure 5

Register the Death: The funeral director registers the death at the Department of Home Affairs, obtaining the official death certificate.

Procedure 6

Organize Cremation: Work closely with your funeral director to arrange the dignified unattended cremation.

Procedure 7

Receive Ashes: The funeral director will return the cremated remains to the family as arranged.

Procedure 8

Memorial/Remembrance (Optional): Plan a private memorial or scattering of ashes to honor your loved one.

Call Doctor/Ambulance

Upon someone passing away, the immediate priority is to contact a medical professional. If the death occurs at home, either the attending doctor who knew the deceased or emergency medical services (like an ambulance, dialling 112 from a mobile or 10177) must be called. Their role is to officially confirm and declare the death, a critical first step. This declaration sets in motion the official procedures, ensuring the correct protocols are followed from the outset, providing clarity and establishing the initial legal record of passing.

Obtain BI-1663 (Notification of Death)

Once the death is medically confirmed, the attending doctor or medical practitioner is legally obligated to complete the BI-1663 form, known as the “Notification of Death/Still-Birth.” This vital document details the cause of death and serves as the preliminary legal record. It’s a crucial piece of paperwork that authorizes the next steps, including the transportation of the deceased and the eventual registration of the death with the Department of Home Affairs. Without this form, no further arrangements can proceed legally.

Engage a Funeral Director

Following the declaration of death and receipt of the BI-1663 form, the next essential step is to appoint a registered and reputable funeral director. In South Africa, funeral directors play a pivotal role in navigating the complex procedures. They act as your primary point of contact and guide, taking responsibility for the dignified handling of the deceased and commencing the coordination of all necessary arrangements according to your wishes, whether for cremation or burial.

Transport Deceased

Upon engagement, the funeral director promptly arranges for the respectful collection and transportation of the deceased from the place of passing (e.g., home, hospital) to their appropriate care facilities, such as a mortuary or preparation room. This step is conducted with the utmost dignity and professionalism, ensuring all health and legal protocols for the safe and secure transfer of human remains are strictly adhered to, providing peace of mind to the bereaved family.

Register the Death

The funeral director assumes the crucial responsibility of registering the death with the Department of Home Affairs. Using the BI-1663 form and the deceased’s identity documents, they handle the official submission. Upon successful registration, the Department of Home Affairs issues the official Death Certificate (initially an abridged version, with an unabridged version available upon request). This legal document is indispensable for winding up the deceased’s estate, accessing policies, and managing other administrative matters.

Organize Cremation

Working closely with your chosen funeral director, the arrangements for an unattended cremation are made. This includes completing specific forms required by the crematorium, selecting a suitable urn, and confirming all details for the private cremation process. The funeral director ensures that all legal and procedural requirements for cremation are met, facilitating a respectful and seamless process without a formal service in attendance.

Receive Ashes

Once the cremation process is complete, the cremated remains (ashes) are carefully placed in the chosen urn. The funeral director then takes responsibility for the dignified return of your loved one’s ashes to the family. This hand-over is typically arranged at a time and location convenient for you, providing a moment for quiet remembrance and allowing you to proceed with any personal ceremonies or final resting plans.

Memorial/Remembrance (Optional)

After the cremation and the return of ashes, families have the freedom to plan a separate, personalized memorial service or act of remembrance. Since the cremation was unattended, this optional step allows for a gathering of friends and family to honor the loved one’s life, share memories, and find closure. This can take various forms, from a formal service to a private scattering of ashes, offering flexibility to suit individual preferences.