Question NW2274 to the Minister of Home Affairs

Reply:

1. The mechanisms to oversee the designation of funeral parlours are stipulated on Section 29(1) of Regulations on the Registration of Births and Deaths Act which provides the requirements as follows:

“An application for designation as a funeral undertaker in terms of section 22A(1) of the Act must be made on Form DHA–1774 illustrated in Annexure 21 and be accompanied by —

(a) a certified copy of the identity document of the applicant;

(b) a certificate of competence issued by the relevant municipality or authority;

(c) where applicable, a business licence;

(d) a recent valid tax registration certificate for the business issued by the South African Revenue Service;

(e) proof of registration with any federation or association of funeral undertakers;

(f) proof of payment of the applicable fee.

(2) In order to qualify for designation as funeral undertaker, a person must―

a. be a South African citizen of 18 years or older;

b. not be an official employed by the Department; and

c. demonstrate to the Director-General his or her knowledge of the Act by successfully completing a written examination conducted by the Department from time to time.

(4) A designated funeral undertaker who acts as an informant on behalf of the family of the deceased must submit proof of appointment to confirm him or her as the representative of the family of the deceased whose notice of death is being given by such funeral undertaker.

(5) The Director-General may withdraw the designation as a funeral undertaker if satisfied that the funeral undertaker has not complied with the provisions of the Act or has been convicted of a criminal offence without the option of a fine.

END