Media Release: Disposal of the dead: Transportation of Human Remains

For immediate release
09 March 2026

The transportation of human remains to and from areas is a occurs regularly, resulting from urbanisation and family members being dispersed across South Africa and neighbouring countries.

Transportation of bodies from the Garden Route district to areas outside the boundaries of the district, takes place by either registered funeral undertakers, private individuals or public transport provided that the criteria are met as legislated.

Disposal of the dead also known as Management of human remains, are one of the nine (9) Municipal Health / Environmental Health functions assigned to Local Government in terms of the National Health Act 2003 (Act 61 of 2003).

Desmond Paulse, Garden Route District Municipality’s Manager for Municipal Health in the Klein Karoo, said that legislation utilised by the Municipal Health section to regulate management of humans remains, is Regulation 363 promulgated under the National Health Act. Paulse further added that “the Management of human remains involves the handling, storage, preparation and transportation of the human body after passing.

How are human remains transported.

• Human remains can only be transported in a manner that does not endanger public health.
• Coffins should be leak-proof and free of offensive odours during transportation with public transport.
• If a private vehicle is solely used for the transportation of human remains, the vehicle in terms of the National Health Act, should be in possession of a COC.
• If the person at the time of their passing suffered from an infectious disease which can transmit even after death, the funeral undertakers transporting the body should adhere to the requirements set out in Regulation 363 and accompanied by a declaration from a medical practitioner.

The following documents should accompany the body during transportation:

• Death Certificate
• Burial order
• Transport certificate to be issued by the SAPS

The transportation of human remains is a regulated and procedurally sensitive undertaking that requires strict adherence to the applicable legislation to preserve public health.

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