AVB1
With knowledge comes choice
Traditional grave burials and flame-based cremation have been the norm since time immemorial. However, very few people in South Africa knows about Aquamation, also known as water-based cremation. This is changing as more people get to be empowered with knowledge as it gives us a chance to choose from what is widely available.
AVBOB has been in the funeral business for more than 106 years. It is a leader in the funeral business and the biggest mutual society in Africa. Over the years, AVBOB has offered traditional funeral services and cremation to its policyholders and non-policyholders. However, in 2019, AVBOB introduced Aquamation in South Africa.
Below we look at the different funeral options:
Traditional grave burial
This type of funeral is known to many people and probably the first that comes to the mind of many when we talk about funeral. In South Africa, the majority of people still use this type of funeral which includes burying a loved one underground using a coffin / casket etc. This also works well for those who would like to visit their loved ones after the funeral and / or bury other family members in the same grave or next to the existing grave/s.
Mausoleum
A mausoleum is an above ground structure where people can place caskets containing their deceased loved ones. For this type of funeral, a coffin / casket is also required. One of the most famous structures is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to house the remains of his much-loved wife. In South Africa, one of the best-known facilities is at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg.
Flame based Cremation
Flame-based cremation uses heat to convert the body to ash. This type of funeral also requires a coffin or casket to place the body before it is put into a chamber and being exposed to open flames, intense heat, and evaporation. After the process is complete, the remaining bone fragments are removed, ground, and placed in a temporary container or an urn.
Aquamation
Aquamation, also known as alkaline hydrolysis, is an eco-friendly, water-based type of funeral / disposition. Becoming eco-friendly is a priority for AVBOB as consumer needs keep evolving. Aquamation is a new way used for the cremation of the body instead of flames. It is currently available at AVBOB Maitland branch in Cape Town and at AVBOB Pretoria West branch in Gauteng. AVBOB intends to roll out Aquamation at multiple locations across the country in the upcoming years. Through the aquamation processes you not only decrease the carbon footprint but also eliminate the direct emission of greenhouse gases or mercury into the environment – while ensuring an energy saving of 90% when compared to flame-based cremation.
At the very core of the process is water, which is a natural and essential part of life, comprising 60% of our bodies. The body is respectfully laid out in a receptacle that is placed in a sterile, stainless-steel chamber. Alkaline hydrolysis uses high temperature water combined with a high PH level (14), which reduces the soft tissue of the body to its basic building blocks. The bones (calcium) remain, which are powdered and presented to the family as ‘ashes’ in the same manner as with flame-based cremation.
What happens to the ashes?
Families receive an urn filled with their loved one’s ashes whether for safekeeping or for scattering in a ritual of their or the departed’s choosing.
The provision of a dignified send-off for loved ones has been part of AVBOB’s service offering for more than a century. The introduction of Aquamation offers everyone a respectable choice and eco-friendly option for your loved one’s final resting.
Facts about Aquamation
- Aquamation uses a catalyst called alkali, which is a chemical opposite of acid. The alkali used in this case is potassium hydroxide salts.
- The aquamation process has a decreased carbon footprint and eliminates the direct emission of greenhouse gases or mercury into the environment, while ensuring an energy saving of 90% when compared to flame-based cremation.
- At the core of the process is water, which is a natural and essential part of life, comprising 60% of our bodies.
- Aquamation reduces the soft tissue of the body to its basic building blocks.
Transportation
If your loved one is to be buried or cremated in a different town or city to where they passed away, AVBOB can assist in transporting your loved one to the place of burial or cremation. Contact AVBOB on 0861 28 26 21 (standard rates apply) for assistance.
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