Cultural beliefs, urbanisation, poor planning creating a 'national burial crisis'

South Africa is facing a shortage of burial space, with cemeteries in major cities near full capacity, according to the South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA).

SAFPA warns that urbanisation, cultural beliefs, and sluggish municipal planning are converging into what it calls a 'national burial crisis'.

"Cities are now saying that we do not even have space anymore," says SAFPA Secretary General Monageng Legae.

"As an industry, we are saying the same way that you are planning for people to live, you need to plan for them when they leave this earth."

Legae believes part of the solution lies in education and adaptation, emphasising the need to rethink how we preserve the dignity of our loved ones.

He explains that many South Africans remain resistant to cremation due to cultural or spiritual beliefs, but urges families to explore options such as reusing family graves, building mausoleums, or embracing eco-friendly methods like water-based decomposition, commonly known as aquamation.

Legae stresses that the conversation around alternativeburials must move beyond taboo and into the mainstream.

“I think there's an assumption that was built in our minds as to what cremation looks like. But actually, if you go and look at it in terms of all books, history, and everywhere else, this is something that has been done. Whether black, white, green, yellow, or blue, it has been done throughout all cultures."

The association is calling on government, municipalities, and the private sector to work together to find sustainable solutions, including designating peri-urban land for future cemeteries.

To listen to Legae in conversation with CapeTalk's Clarence Ford, click below: