We are on 24 hour call in case of death, anywhere in Greater Cape Town and beyond. Your Loved One will be taken to our own mortuary for preservation, pending funeral arrangements.
We offer a comprehensive service, that covers the essential work done by funeral directors, as well as optional services being those preparations that could also be done by family, friends, or the Church, as they prefer. It is important to advise us clearly of any special requests or instructions.
A consultant will be in touch with the family soon after the deceased has been collected by our undertakers. Funeral arrangements and administration are normally done during office hours (Monday to Friday 08h30 – 16h30, Saturdays by appointment). It is best to arrange a time to come in.
Preliminary arrangements can be made over the telephone. However, a family representative will need to sign documents, including the Notice of Death issued by the attending Doctor; so it could save a trip by waiting until we have collected this. If plans need to be made for a funeral service, it may be advisable to come in sooner. We are expected to register the death at the Dept. of Home Affairs within 72 hours. (If we go later, we need to have a commissioned affidavit explaining the reasons).
Please bring the deceased’s original ID Book or Card – for Home Affairs. (If not available, a Birth Certificate needs to be produced, or we must request one). We make a certified copy of the family representative’s ID. The original Passport is required for foreign nationals.
Arrangements are normally made at our Funeral Home in Kenilworth (where there is a coffin selection room). A consultant can also meet with the family at their home, if more convenient.
We advise you not to set a firm date, time and venue for a funeral service until you have confirmed that the Funeral Directors, Minister and Church/venue are available.
You will need to choose the type of funeral you would like to have for your loved one, a venue for a service or gathering, as well as the mode of interment of their remains – from the following options.
Funeral Options
One or More May Be Chosen by the Family
- Full Funeral in a church or chapel with coffin present
- Memorial Service or gathering (wake) – no coffin present
- Private Committal Service (coffin present with close family & friends)
- Graveside Service or Committal
- Private non-attended Cremation (no ceremony)
- Witnessed Cremation at the Crematorium
- Interment or Scattering of Ashes
The choice of a venue for a funeral service might be: the family church, Crematorium Chapel, Constantiaberg Funeral Chapel, or a private venue or hall. We can help and advise.
Modes of Interment of Human Remains
- Earth Burial – in a municipal or private cemetery
- Interment in an above-ground Crypt (Maitland Cemetery)
- Cremation – three crematoria in the Western Cape
- Aquamation – an alkaline and water process
The Cremation can be prioritised and the Ashes obtained within 24 hours, if these are required urgently.
Our essential services include: obtaining the Death Certificate, attending to all documentation required for cremation or aquamation, and collecting the Ashes.
In the case of burial, we book the grave, and set up the grave equipment, gazebo and chairs. We can also order a tombstone or additional inscription.
Optional services include: placing press notices, ordering flowers, printing leaflets, arranging for catering and family cars, and liaising with the minister and organist. We can arrange for a minister to conduct the service, if the family does not have access to one.
We have a traditional Mercedes Benz hearse (black), and a modern KIA Sedona (silver). Other options are available. Our undertakers provide a dignified service at the church or chapel.
