Taking funeral services online
Family members can be part of a loved one’s last journey, no matter where in the world they are
TECHNOLOGICAL advances seem to be aiding many businesses during this trying time as people seem to be taking the online route. Funeral services are making sure they have not been left behind. All that is needed is a device with smartphone capabilities and an internet connection.
With restrictions placed on the number of people allowed at public gatherings, including at funerals, service providers were now offering a live streaming service for family and friends wanting to witness the funeral service of a loved one.
Umhlanga Funerals is among such providers.
Kumar Covenden, director of Umhlanga Funerals, said it was his idea to add this option to their business, but they are definitely not the first funeral services to do so.
“We’re exploring two avenues, Facebook and Zoom. With Facebook, a private page will be created, and all family and friends will be invited to join the page. It is an optional service, and should a family choose this option, it will cost between R1 000 and R2 500, depending on duration,” said Covenden.
The idea was thought of and put into place within the last month, with
Covenden outsourcing someone handle the streaming services.
“When the post was uploaded to Facebook, we had over 8500 views in the first 24 hours. Families have already been querying this new option with us,” he said.
Covenden said they plan to extend this service to after lockdown, so that friends and families who are unable to attend their loved one’s funeral, are still able to participate.
Funeral services in and around the Durban area have been using Zoom and Facebook to allow friends and family to say goodbye to their loved ones. Zoom links can be sent out to those who would like to watch the service. They are then able to join in on the Zoom meeting and watch the service, live, from beginning to end.
For those who don’t want to sign up to Zoom, a Facebook page can be created for their loved one’s service.
A link to the page will be provided, or the admin of the page can invite Facebook users who would like to be part of the service to join the page, where the service will be streamed on a live video. to
Newlands City Funerals Services said they had this option for a while. Koshik Maharaj, owner of Newlands City Funeral Services, said they also offered the service via Zoom and Facebook.
“We’ve not really had many queries about this service, but we do still offer it to those who want that option,” said Maharaj.
Oakleigh Funeral Home, which has branches in Durban, Howick, Hillcrest and Pietermaritzburg, said they offered the service at no extra cost.
“It’s not an option that has been chosen by many families. So far, we’ve only had four families wanting to participate in Zoom meetings. It is a package deal. We don’t offer it to anyone who isn’t using our services,” said Arlene de Klerk, company bookkeeper. De Klerk went on to explain that they have encouraged families to make arrangements via telephone or email to maintain social distancing.
“On our side, there is a possibility of extending this offer to after lockdown so families can be a part of their loved one’s last journey, no matter where they are in the world,” she said.