SAFPA calls for government to regulate the funeral services sector

The South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA), recently had a discussion session to lay down its objectives and rollout plans as the organization will host its annual on African Funeral Convention and Expo later this year, where it aims to recognize excellence in the funeral industry, and provide a one-stop shop for the industry players to gain vital tools to advance the sector.

The funeral parlour industry is a thriving business in Africa that inevitably everyone will be involved in. It creates entrepreneurs by the score, but is plagued by poor regulation, fraud, and theft. This is the rough, tough, and unpredictable business of dying.

SAFPA is an organization that is dedicated to fostering growth, support and development within the funeral industry – the association has over 2000 diverse community members from all walks of life.

The organization believes in creating a stronger and more prosperous community through extending its doors to non-members of the association for networking, connecting and learning opportunities.

“Over the years the government has failed to ensure that the funeral services industry is legit and professionalized,” says Mnisi. Mnisi says without the government liaising with the association to regulate the industry, it will still take years for those operating within the industry to be taken seriously. “There is no regulation without us,’ says Mnisi.

By this the association believes its executives and members can inspire non-members to not only want to join but propel its businesses to new heights if they implement strategic measures and innovative approaches as advised by SAFPA.

Mnisi says this challenge has been ongoing since the formation of the association more than two decades ago, hence it is taking the necessary steps to ensure that it comes to an end.

“Government agencies often say we want to be professionals, but yet our services or not deemed to be certified while in other countries being a funeral director is a recognized skill,” says Mnisi.

According to research and markets, the funeral services industry in South Africa has been growing at around 12% annually. The industry contributes between R5 billion and R10 billion annually.

There are at least 70,000 undertakers who are active in the domestic death care market and that is approximately 15,000 funeral parlours that are operational. While undertakers and funeral parlours play a critical role during death for mourners, the industry remains faced with many challenges, especially for small funeral operators.

The bulk of the industry is made up of small businesses serving local communities. A significant number of these do not have certificates of competence and operate in the informal funeral services sector.

With regards to the annual African Funeral Convention and Expo, the event is set to take place from 23 – 25 October 2023. The event is open to SAFPA and Non SAFPA Members to come network, connect, and learn to take their businesses to greater heights.