There is an old Chinese Proverb: “Life is a dream walking, death is a going home.” So here in this article, we will have a look at the send me home plan.
For thousands of people living in South Africa, “going home” is the time when a family must arrange for the bodies of their loved ones to be repatriated back to their homeland.
There is one such funeral provider that specialises in this type of service.
So Mukuru, which means “old and respected” in Shona, offers a repatriation service to the people of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe.
- Trained staff at Mukuru call centres can speak the languages of their clients
- Countries served are Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and also Zimbabwe
Three options
Mukuru offers three different funeral policies that cover the cost of sending a deceased back to his/her homeland.
These also include:
Send Me Home Plan
For R20 a month, this policy includes:
- R12 500 Accidental Death Cover
- R10 000 cover
- Repatriation of deceased to Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe
- Also, transportation for up to two relatives of the deceased policyholder to accompany the body back to the homeland
- A Condolence Fee of R2 500
Send Me Home Plan Premium
For R50 a month, this policy includes:
- An R18 000 cash payout
- Final Expenses Cover of R10 000
- R12 500.00 Accidental Death Cover
- Also, transportation for up to two relatives of the deceased policyholder to accompany the body back to the homeland
Send Me Home Plan Family
For R120 a month, this policy includes:
- Cover of R15 000 for the main policyholder
- Also, cover of R15 000 for the spouse
- Cover for up to four children
Other facts about Mukuru
- Policyholders can send money across South Africa’s borders to help fund funeral expenses
- Mukuru is underwritten by Guardrisk Life
- Mukuru funeral cover insurance is affordable
- Loved ones can be buried with dignity
Do I qualify for a Mukuru policy?
- To qualify for funeral insurance cover from Mukuru, applicants must:
- Be in possession of a valid South African ID
- Also, be in possession of a valid passport
- Be in possession of valid asylum documentation
- Also, if not South African, be citizens of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zimbabwe
Send Me Home from abroad
The Department of Transport, together with its overseas representatives, provides logistical help and advice to the next-of-kin of South African citizens who die abroad.
The Department will:
- Obtain permits from the Department of Health to import the deceased back to South Africa
- Put family members into touch with reputable undertakers
- Obtain transportation quotes
- Obtain quotes for a cremation and/or local burial
- Provide other relevant information regarding the repatriation of the deceased
Importing mortal remains to South Africa
There are strict laws and regulations that govern the transportation of mortal remains between countries.
The Department of Health will only issue an Import Permit when all requirements are met.
No permit is required to import the ashes of a deceased who has been cremated
Two working days are required to issue an import permit.
What documents are needed?
The following documents are essential for importing and transporting the remains of a loved one:
- A Death Certificate
- No permit will not be issued if the cause of death is unknown
- An autopsy report in cases of an infectious disease
- ID document/Passport
- Embalming Certificate
- Exporting of mortal remains to South Africa
Another repatriation service provider is:
- Europ Assistance which offers:
- Transportation of the deceased by air or road
- Legal advice and assistance, where required
- Also, assistance with repatriation in South Africa and neighbouring countries
Who else offers repatriation services?
Most reputable funeral service providers offer repatriation services.
Among these are:
- Martins Funerals
- Specialists in repatriation services
- Can arrange transportation of the remains of the deceased body/ashes back home from any global country
- Also repatriate via road or air to neighbouring countries like Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, Swaziland and Zimbabwe
- Can assist families to arrange for the importation of the deceased to South Africa
- Obtain all documentation required by law, such as certificates and permits
- Embalming
- Doves
- Repatriation, both nationally and internationally
- Transportation of human remains from the place of death and to the place of rest
- Transportation is also included within the borders of South Africa and to the neighbouring countries of Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and Swaziland
- Two Mountains
- Local and international repatriation of mortal remains
Advice in the event of a South African who dies abroad
So visit the Department of International Relations and Co-Operation website.
This site provides comprehensive coverage of all aspects of repatriating a body from abroad, such as:
- Providing information regarding local conditions and procedures affecting the deceased
- Arranging the return of mortal remains to South Africa
- Also, arranging a cremation and the return of the ashes to South Africa
- Arranging a local burial
- Embalmment
- Arranging a Pauper’s burial which is free of any charges
Please fill in the form on this page top get a FREE funeral plan quote.