“Given the strain that South Africans are already under as a result of the National Lockdown, we thought we would assist in some small way, by providing clarity around the regulations and restrictions and insurance processes surrounding the arranging of funerals during this challenging time,” says Basil Reekie, Group Managing Director of Clientèle.

According to the latest regulations put in place by the Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (Cogta), a permit needs to be obtained by anyone wishing to travel between provinces or metropolitan and district areas to attend a funeral or cremation. People who qualify to apply for said permit include; the spouse or partner of the deceased, children (including children-in-law) of the deceased, parents (including stepparents) of the deceased, siblings, grandparents, and other people closely affiliated to the deceased.

Applicants will require a death certificate or a certified copy of the death certificate to obtain a permit or, if a death certificate is not yet available, the applicant would need to make a sworn affidavit in the prescribed form. Permits are obtainable from a Magistrate or the station commander of a police station. If the burial or cremation is not on the same day and the travelling attendee needs to stay over, please note that he or she may not do so for a period of more than 48 hours. Additionally, he / she may not stay with a relative or friend but must instead stay at a hotel, lodge or guest house and will be required to present their permit to the owner/manager of the hotel, lodge or guest house.

The latest regulations also stipulate limits on the number of people who may attend funerals and/or memorial services.  The limit is currently set at 50 or less attendees. Also be aware that night vigils are still prohibited.

With regards to funeral planning, Reekie provides some tips for a smoother process:

• Obtain the death certificate from Home Affairs which will be needed for permits, insurance pay outs etc.
• Lodge an insurance claim with the deceased person’s insurance policy provider
• Ensure limits of crowds in line with the restrictions and regulations
• At all times throughout the process, be sure to comply with all relevant health and safety guidelines published by government and try to limit unnecessary personal contact and adhere to social distancing measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19