The Kingdom of Swaziland, enveloped almost entirely by the nation of South Africa, is probably not the first country that comes to mind when one thinks of the practice of cremation. However, news this week could change the minds of Swazis and foreigners alike.

As reported in the August 27 issue of the Swazi Observer, the Manzini Municipal Council, responsible for the disposition of unclaimed corpses in the city’s morgue, decided recently to cremate 30 paupers who remain unclaimed over the last two years.

According to the article, “In the past, Council buried these bodies, popularly referred to as paupers, in the municipal cemeteries. However, due to their ever increasing number in the face of vast diminishing burial space in the city, [the council] found [themselves] with no option but to cremate the corpses.”

How Much Land Does A Man Need?

It appears some of the same considerations identified by individuals here in North America are equally important on the continent of Africa. In fact, the Cremation Association of North America, which regularly compiles statistics related to the practice, cites a full 13 percent of respondents as opting for cremation for the fact that it saves the ever diminishing commodity of land.

As part of the story in the Swazi Observer, Dups Funeral Home and Cremations Manager Daniel Dlamini spoke to the need for the growing acceptance of cremation among the Swazi people.

“People must not be scared of cremation,” Dlamini explains. “It is a simple process to do and is less costly in the sense that it eliminates the cost of holding a night vigil, feeding those who come to bury the loved one as well as other cost implications.”

Dlamini then detailed the specific factors that require a higher cost for a traditional burial compared to cremation. His stated cost for cremation included everything needed for a proper Swazi memorial. “We also respect the wishes of families who wish to perform some rituals as a form of respect for their loved one.” He concluded by stating, “Relatives are also allowed to take the ashes of their loved one for burial or any other purpose they deem fit. In the process the municipality is also saved a lot of burial land.”

In the meantime, the funeral home plans to keep the cremated remains of the 30 paupers for the next six months in the hopes that family members will come to collect the remains of their loved ones. “If they do not show up,” states Dlamini, “Dups disposes of them in a legally acceptable manner.”

Is Cremation Right For You?

Cremation or traditional burial? The choice for an end-of-life plan is an intensely personal one. Although many people still choose burial, cremation has steadily gained acceptance throughout North America. In fact, CANA projects that greater than 50 percent of all deaths by 2025 will result in cremation. The same chart shows the steady acceptance of the practice from 1985 onwards.

Consult a Cremation Planning Service
In addition to funeral homes, direct cremation providers help families through the planning process, finalize a cremation plan, and arrange services. Smart Cremation is staffed with knowledgeable experts who answer questions about cremation and provide free cost quotes, as well as customize a service to meet your needs and budget. Speak with a Smart Cremation Family Arranger in your area about cremation options and related prices by calling (503) 402-2578 today, or leave your information in the form to the right to receive a Free Cremation Guide.