Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What documentation is needed in order to arrange a cremation or funeral service?
A: The identification document of the deceased and the identification document of the next of kin. Any funeral policies and/or documents, marriage or divorce documents.
Q: Where do I get the Death Certificate? What is a B.I. 1663 and "Notice of Death"?
A: A B.I. 1663 and the “Notice of Death” is the same document. The B.I.1663 (or Notice of Death) can only be prepared, and signed by a qualified doctor. After we, Martin’s Funerals, receive the B.I.1663, we submit the document to the Department of Home Affairs which then issues the Death Certificate.
Q: We received copies of the ID and Death Certificate. What do we do with them?
A: We supply the family with copies of the ID and Death Certificate in order to alleviate administrative processes. Processes such as closing any bank accounts of the deceased, notifying the receiver of revenue, halting any pension funds, cancelling a medical fund, and applying for compassionate leave from your employer.
Q: Cemeteries require two days' grace for a re-opening of a grave. Is this true?
A: Yes, this is true. Cemeteries require 48 hours, from when the family signed the relevant documentation at the cemetery, to re-open a grave.
Q: Why do we have to pay again for a reserved grave?
A: You have to pay the cemetery a minimal labour fee in order for them, the cemetery, to open and prepare the grave for burial.
Q: If a grave is 6-feet deep, can two people be buried in the grave?
A: No, this is against City Parks’ regulations. Two people may only be buried in grave of more than 8 feet deep.
Q: How long after a funeral service can we place a headstone or tombstone?
A: This solely depends on the cemetery. We recommend anything from 6 months and more after the service.
Q: When a grave is re-opened, does the headstone or tombstone need to be removed?
A: Not the headstone no, the tombstone, however, yes.


Q: Do coffins come with panic buttons installed?
A: No, they do not.
Q: Why, if there are only stones on the tombstone, can they not just simply remove the stones for a grave re-opening?
A: The small stones are simply for decorative reasons. There still lies a concrete slab on the tomb which needs to be removed when re-opening a grave.
Q: Will a bank account be deactivated upon death?
A: No, the banks in South Africa are not linked to the Department of Home Affairs. You will have to proof to the bank the death of the account holder with the appropriate documentation, i.e. the identification document of the deceased, and the death certificate of the deceased.
Q: If my loved one passes away after office hours, do we need to wait until the next morning to contact Martin's Funerals?
A: We are available 24 hours for removals of those deceased.
Q: Why does a pacemaker need to be removed before a cremation takes place?
A: The pacemaker explodes within the oven, rendering the oven unusable until restored. This restoration of the equipment can exceed hundreds of thousands of rands. You as payee will be held responsible, if this should occur.
Q: Who do I contact when a family member passes away?
A: You can contact, Martin’s Funeral Services, your doctor (optional), your minister (optional), and the SAPS (in the event of death due to unnatural causes). We also highly recommend you contact family members or friends to support you.
Q: What important documentation do I need?
A:
- Identity document of deceased
- Identity document of next of kin
- Funeral policy documents
- Marriage / divorce certificate
- Date and time of service
- Cemetery details (in the event of a burial)
Q: What decisions need to be made when organising a funeral?
A:
- Should your loved one be buried or cremated?
- Hymns to be sung.
- Names of pallbearers.
- Person who will deliver the eulogy and acknowledgments.
- Would you like to view the deceased?
- Type of flower arrangements.
- Type of coffin/casket.
- Refreshments after the service.
- Photo or programme.
- Clothes the deceased should be buried in.