Amid the trauma of dealing with the death of a loved one, friend or family member, one of the first things to consider, if responsibility falls to you, is how to dispose of the body.

Often the first consideration is interment, but Cape Town’s existing cemeteries are in great demand and in short supply.

Despite the shortage of land for new burial grounds, we are committed to developing more cemeteries and creating alternative options, like mausoleums and modular graves, for those seeking final resting places for their loved ones.

Practical challenges

There are practical considerations around the development and management of land for in-ground burials, and some communities wish to follow their own traditions for interment.

Available land that is not earmarked for housing and biodiversity conservation undergoes environmental impact assessments to determine suitability and investigate groundwater conditions in line with legislation on in-ground burials.

We urge people to consider the financial implications and ecological impact of their decisions when laying their loved ones to rest. It is essential that more people take responsibility for this by communicating their wishes for interment in a current will or by telling their loved ones what they would prefer.

Cemeteries, crematoria and funeral undertakers by-law

An integrated by-law has been promulgated in 2011 to manage cemeteries and crematoriums, to support the dignified disposal of human remains and to regulate funeral undertakers. Its content will provide peace of mind for the bereaved, who seek a safe, secure and respectful environment for their dearly departed.

Choosing your coffin

Bodies are usually buried in coffins at a legislated depth in the ground. From at least six feet under, bodies are starved of the oxygen required for natural decomposition. This results in their production of the greenhouse gas, methane, which is considered to be the second largest contributor to global warming.

To facilitate decomposition in the healthiest, most environmentally friendly way, care needs to be taken in choosing the coffin. Coffins made of wood are preferred. Lead or metal caskets are not permitted as they may hamper the natural decay of the body and may release poisons into the soil. The most environmentally friendly wood is FSC-certified from a sustainable forest.

Wooden coffins should be untreated and free of metal adornments and chemical glue to prevent toxins penetrating the ground.

Elaborate coffin lining or cushioning material is also detrimental to the environment, once it starts to decay.

The Muslim and Buddhist practice of burial in a simple cotton shroud is the least destructive option and is permitted in designated grounds.