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Hamba kahle. Go well.

A home for memory — for family at home and abroad.

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What to do when someone dies in South Africa

  1. 1

    Get the doctor's death notification (BI-1663)

    Issued by the attending doctor or hospital. For unnatural deaths, the SAPS and a forensic pathologist must be involved.

  2. 2

    Register the death and get the BI-5 certificate

    At a Home Affairs office, an authorised funeral undertaker or SAPS station. Bring the deceased's ID, your ID and the BI-1663. Request multiple certified copies.

  3. 3

    Plan the funeral and memorial service

    Coordinate with the funeral parlour and burial society / stokvel if applicable. Honour family and cultural traditions — vigils, cleansing, the cow/goat ritual, church or traditional service.

  4. 4

    Claim pension, UIF death benefit and insurance

    Apply for UIF death benefits, GEPF/private pension survivor benefits, funeral policy payouts and life insurance. Notify banks, employer and SARS.

  5. 5

    Wind up the estate

    Report the estate to the Master of the High Court within 14 days. An executor administers the will (or the Intestate Succession Act applies). Transfer property, vehicles and bank accounts accordingly.

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Common questions

How do I register a death in South Africa?
Deaths are registered at a Department of Home Affairs office, an authorised funeral undertaker, or a SAPS station in rural areas. A doctor (or forensic pathologist) completes the BI-1663 notification; Home Affairs then issues the official death certificate (BI-5).
What do South African funeral traditions look like?
Across Zulu, Xhosa, Sotho, Tswana, Afrikaner and other communities, funerals are deeply communal — night vigils, church or traditional services, cleansing rituals, the umkhulekelo or memorial service, and the slaughter of a cow or goat for ancestors in many traditions. Stokvels and burial societies often help cover costs.
Can family overseas take part?
Yes. Share the memorial page on WhatsApp with family in the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US. They can light a digital candle, watch tributes and share their own memories — without travelling.
Where can I find bereavement support in South Africa?
SADAG (0800-21-22-23) offers free 24/7 mental health and grief support. Compassionate Friends SA supports bereaved parents. Many hospices (HPCA-accredited) and churches run grief groups across the country.
Is it free?
Yes — completely free, no ads, no card needed. Build a page in English, Afrikaans, isiZulu or your home language, then share by WhatsApp.

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