South Africa’s R10 billion funeral industry honours best in the business

702's Bongani Bingwa interviews Muzi Hlengwa, CEO of the National Funeral Business Awards (NFBA).

Listen below:

Funerals have undergone a remarkable transformation over the years, evolving from sombre commemorations of loss into elaborate celebrations of life.

In South Africa, this shift has given rise to an increasingly lavish funeral culture, with some families spending as much as R2 million on extravagant send-offs.

VIP lounges, stretch marquees, gourmet canapés, and even shots for mourners are now part of the experience – supporting a booming funeral industry worth an estimated R10 billion.

Recognising the scale and sophistication of this sector, the National Funeral Business Lifetime Achievement Awards was held this past Saturday, aimed at promoting excellence and professionalism within the industry.

"We may be viewed as a deathcare industry but we are a business like any other business."

- Muzi Hlengwa, CEO – National Funeral Business Awards

The awards honour funeral homes and undertakers who go above and beyond, with categories such as Best Funeral Service of the Year, Most Impressive Fleet, and Best Branding.

According to Hlengwa, nominees are put forward by fellow funeral professionals and members of the public.

But it’s not just about dazzling displays – judges also assess how compassionately bereaved families are treated and whether funeral providers uphold ethical standards in their work.

"We tend to want to give the best send-off to the deceased. It's not a matter of showing off, but a matter of respect and celebration of the lives of the ones that passed on."

- Muzi Hlengwa, CEO – National Funeral Business Awards

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the interview.