Kabelo Tlhabanelo
For years, cremation was regarded by many Africans as taboo but more black people are now opting for this kind of funeral.
Independent Crematoriums of South Africa (ICSA) reports that the number of black families opting for cremation as opposed to traditional burials has increased by at least 20 percent in the last year.
Vusi Twayi of Twilight Funeral Home in Mangaung says this is because of the increasing number of Covid-19 deaths.
“Cremation has now been requested by blacks and most want to keep the ashes in their homes,” said Twayi.
Tumi Magano from ICSA said many municipalities across the country have almost reached burial capacity due to the increasing mortality rate.
She told Scrolla.Africa: “Cremation takes up less land and helps with the problem of overcrowded cemeteries. It is portable, so the ashes can be transported. One can put the ashes in an urn or other container and take them with you if you move.”
Magano said families have more time to decide what to do with the ashes after the body has been cremated. Ideas include putting them at cremation niches, scattering ashes and keeping them at home.
Tsotetsi Phoba told Scrolla.Africa that he had his 82-year-old mum, Matsotetsi from Botshabelo, cremated in line with her wishes after she died three months ago.
“It was her wish that she be cremated and her ashes thrown into the Vaal River,” Tsotetsi said.
He said his mother was the first to be cremated in their family and he also wants to be cremated when he dies. “I do believe that it saves the land.”
