Key takeaways
Stay calm. You are not alone.
This is one of the most difficult moments a family can face. Take a breath. One step at a time is all it takes. You do not have to figure everything out alone.
Ubuntu Memorial Services is available 24 hours a day for immediate assistance. Phone the emergency line at 080 000 1234 or WhatsApp 072 000 1234 at any time, day or night.
Choose one calm family member to handle calls, collect documents, and speak to the doctor, police or funeral office. Everyone else can focus on supporting each other.
If the death was from natural causes
When a family member passes away at home from illness or old age, the steps are straightforward but must be followed in order. Here is what to do, one step at a time.
1
Do not move the body
Leave the deceased in the position they were found. The body position and condition are important for the official process. Keep children and pets away from the area. Do not start cleaning or moving belongings.
2
Call the family doctor or nearest clinic
If the deceased had a regular doctor, call them first. If they are unavailable, call emergency medical services: Netcare 911 on 082 911, ER24 on 084 124, or Government EMS on 10177. A paramedic or doctor will examine the body and confirm whether the death was from natural causes. They will issue a Declaration of Death form.
3
Contact the police if required
Police must be called if the deceased had no medical records, had not visited a doctor or clinic in the past 6 months, or was not recently seen by a medical professional. Call 10111 or your nearest police station. The SAPS will issue a SAP180 form confirming no foul play is suspected.
4
Contact your funeral parlour
Once the death is certified by a medical professional, your funeral parlour can collect the body. The funeral director will need the deceased's ID document (green book or smart ID card), declarations from the doctor or clinic, the SAP180 form if police were involved, and your contact details.
5
Get the Notification of Death (DHA-1663 form)
This is the official form required to register the death with Home Affairs. It must be completed by the attending doctor, clinic or hospital. Your funeral parlour can help obtain and process this form. You will need certified copies of the deceased's ID and the informant's ID (the next of kin who reports the death).
6
Register the death with Home Affairs
Your funeral parlour can do this on your behalf. Take the completed DHA-1663, the deceased's ID and the informant's ID to any Home Affairs office. Request at least 5 certified copies of the death certificate. You will need them for the bank, the insurer, SASSA and other processes. The death certificate is free on the day of registration (abridged version). An unabridged version requires Form BI-132 and a fee.
7
Begin funeral arrangements
Once you have the death certificate and DHA-1663, your parlour can begin the full funeral arrangements. This includes coffin or casket choices, funeral date, cemetery booking, church arrangements, catering, tent and chair setup, and transport.
If the death was unnatural
If the death involves an accident, violence, suicide, or anything suspicious, the process is different. Speed and care matter here.
- Do not move the body or touch anything at the scene.
- Call SAPS immediately on 10111.
- If you suspect foul play, take photos of the scene if it is safe to do so.
- Police will arrange removal to the State Mortuary.
- A compulsory autopsy will be performed.
- A case number will be issued. Keep this safe.
- A post-mortem report will be required for the death certificate.
Your funeral parlour can liaise with the State Mortuary for collection after the autopsy is complete. Phone the emergency line even while the police process is still underway so the office can prepare.
If the person died in hospital
If a family member passes away in hospital, the process is simpler because the hospital handles the initial documentation.
The hospital will issue the death notification. The body remains in the hospital mortuary. Contact your funeral parlour to arrange the transfer. Bring the deceased's ID to the hospital. The hospital will provide a death notification for Home Affairs registration.
Documents checklist
Gather these documents as early as possible. Having them ready speeds up every step that follows.
When to call Ubuntu Memorial Services
Call the office as soon as the family needs guidance. Even where another authority must act first, the office can explain the process, help the family prepare documents, and arrange collection once authorised.
The emergency line (080 000 1234) is available 24 hours. WhatsApp (072 000 1234) is monitored during office hours and checked regularly after hours. You do not need to have everything sorted before calling.