Planning a funeral

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Planning a funeral

When arranging a funeral, you will have to make decisions on:

  • Whether it will be a burial or a cremation.
  • Decide on the venue where the service will take place (Chapel, Church, graveside etc).
  • Date and time the service will take place.
  • Which hymns will be sung, who will do the eulogy, names of the pallbearers. The type and colour of flowers you will require.
  • If the family decide on a burial, please bring along the latest utility bill (not older than 3 months).
What we need to know
  • Full names, surname, ID-number and last known address of the deceased.
  • Place of death (Hospital, Home, Government Mortuary). 
  • Details of the Medical Doctor who last treated the deceased.
  • Burial or Cremation- The family needs to discuss and decide among themselves (keep the deceased wishes in mind).
  • If the family decides on a burial, please bring along the latest utility bill (not older than 3 months).
Important information when arranging a funeral/cremation
  • Choice of coffin
  • Dressing of the deceased (We provide a decent shroud.The family also have a choice as to bring the deceased favourite clothes.)
  • Will there be a viewing (at the GBA office or church)?
  • Registration of death- We arrange for this – Please note: In order for us to register the death, we will need the marriage certificate and the newest ID-book/ID-card. This is an instruction form the Department of Home Affairs.
  • Hymn leaflets/funeral programs
  • Flowers for coffin and/or church
  • Refreshments
  • Choice of hymns, music and poetry for the service
  • Eulogy- Who will be nominated and who will prepare
  • Extras- Balloons, doves, bag piper, candles etc
  • If the family decide on a burial, please bring along the latest utility bill (not older than 3 months).
Funeral costs and payments

The value of the GBA membership benefits is sufficient for the basic costs of a funeral or cremation. These benefits include the coffin (the next of kin will have a choice of coffins), all the arrangements, registration of death as well as the conducting of the funeral/cremation service. We will also contribute an amount towards the cost i.e. Grave/cremation fees, hymn leaflets, church fees, doctor’s fees etc. Whatever exceeds the contribution, the family must pay 24 hours prior to commencing of the funeral/cremation service.

Dressing of the deceased

We do supply a shroud for the deceased to be dressed in, but you as a family are more than welcome to provide us with clothing.  Please keep in mind that the clothing you bring is comfortable, maybe a favourite shirt and pants or dress etc.

Viewing of the deceased

To arrange for a viewing, is and stays the family’s choice.

This can be arranged to take place at our office or at the church (if the church gives their consent.)

We recommend strongly that at least one family member identifies the deceased on the day of the funeral, reason being that the family will have the certainty that the person in the coffin is their loved one.

To understand someone else's and even your own grief may be quite difficult, therefore we provide our members with literature regarding the loss of a loved one.  When you visit our office, please ask for this product. It is free.


When you visit our office, please ask for this free product?