BUSINESS NEWS - In South Africa, when a loved one passes, communities don’t hesitate - they come together.
We cook for one another, offer our time and presence, and when possible, contribute financially to help cover funeral costs.
It’s Ubuntu in action - people standing together during life’s most difficult moments.
But with the rising cost of funerals and fewer people carrying cash, communities are finding new ways to support families while still honouring tradition.
Here are five ways funeral giving is changing - and how everyday South Africans are adapting.
1. Digital platforms are replacing cash envelopes
Traditionally, donations were collected at church or home gatherings using cash or collection baskets. But now, communities are turning to digital tools to manage giving in a simpler, safer way.
Platforms like AltarPOS allow churches or organisers to set up a digital fundraiser - where people can give by scanning a QR code or tapping a device. No need to handle cash or ask for bank details. It’s fast, secure, and easy for everyone, young or old.
2. You can give support from anywhere
Whether you're in another province or living abroad, being far from home doesn’t mean being disconnected. These digital tools make it possible to contribute to funeral collections even if you can’t attend in person.
For example, someone in one province can instantly send a donation to help with a funeral in another.
That kind of connection keeps families and communities close, no matter the distance.
3. Churches and community groups are leading the way
Many church groups, burial societies, and community leaders have started using platforms like AltarPOS to help organise memorial fundraisers. It allows them to take the lead in supporting bereaved families without placing the responsibility on the grieving household.
4. Giving is now traceable and transparent
One of the biggest challenges with traditional cash donations is keeping track. With digital fundraising, every cent is accounted for. The funds go into a single, managed account, and organisers can provide clear updates on how much was raised.
This transparency builds trust - both for those giving, and for those managing the collection.
5. It’s still Ubuntu. Just easier
At its core, this shift isn’t about technology - it’s about making giving more accessible for everyone. Whether someone gives R50 or R500, the value lies in the act of support, not the amount. Digital tools don’t replace human connection - they extend it.
They allow more people to be part of the giving, even if they don’t have cash or can’t be there in person.
As funeral costs rise and communities become more spread out, these new ways of giving help ensure that no family must carry the burden alone. Platforms like AltarPOS are simply tools - but in the hands of caring communities, they become a lifeline.
When loss comes, we do what we’ve always done: show up, give, support, and stand together. That part hasn’t changed.
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