Icebolethu Burial Services, a subsidiary of the Icebolethu Group, is inviting applications from suitably qualified candidates for 80 Casual General Assistant (Part-Time) positions available across various locations. This opportunity is suitable for individuals who have experience in the funeral and burial services industry and are passionate about providing respectful and professional support to families during difficult times.
General Assistants play an important role in supporting daily burial service operations, assisting with mortuary duties, funeral preparations, removals, and ensuring that all procedures are carried out with dignity, care, and professionalism. Successful candidates will work closely with funeral service teams to ensure that all operational activities are completed efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of hygiene, safety, and compassion.
This position requires individuals who are physically fit, emotionally resilient, detail-oriented, and capable of working in sensitive environments. Applicants should also be willing to work flexible hours, including weekends, public holidays, overnight shifts, and whenever operational needs require additional support.
If a career in the funeral services industry is of interest and the minimum requirements are met, this opportunity offers valuable practical experience while contributing to an essential service that supports communities during times of loss.
Position Details
- Job Title: Casual General Assistant (Part-Time)
- Number of Positions: 80
- Employment Type: Casual / Part-Time
- Industry: Funeral and Burial Services
- Closing Date: 31 July 2026
About the Position
The Casual General Assistant will provide operational support across different funeral service activities, including removals, mortuary administration, body preparation, cleaning, funeral setup, and equipment handling. The role requires professionalism, confidentiality, compassion, and strict compliance with company procedures and health regulations.
General Assistants are expected to assist experienced funeral personnel in ensuring that every stage of the burial process is handled respectfully and efficiently. Duties may vary depending on operational requirements and assigned locations.
Because funeral services operate throughout the day and night, successful applicants must be available to work shifts, weekends, public holidays, and overnight when necessary.
Key Responsibilities
Successful candidates will be expected to perform a wide range of duties, including but not limited to:
- Assist with the removal and transportation of deceased persons.
- Register deceased details accurately in the mortuary register.
- Ensure all bodies are correctly labelled according to established procedures.
- Wash and store bodies in the correct mortuary trays according to register and board numbers.
- Verify that bodies are safely stored in their allocated storage areas.
- Assist with the identification of deceased persons when required.
- Clean and prepare bodies before post-mortem examinations.
- Maintain cleanliness of the mortuary, preparation rooms, and viewing areas.
- Sterilize autopsy equipment before and after use.
- Prepare all instruments required by the pathologist.
- Wash and disinfect instruments following autopsy procedures.
- Prepare bodies for collection by families or authorized representatives.
- Assist with coffining procedures.
- Release bodies only to authorized individuals after following required verification procedures.
- Provide updates to families where necessary and when authorized.
- Monitor mortuary access and maintain visitor records.
- Assist with funeral hall preparation and grave decoration.
- Install and operate lowering device equipment during funeral services.
- Ensure all funeral equipment and materials are cleaned, maintained, and stored safely.
- Support funeral teams during burial services and related operational activities.
- Follow all company health and safety procedures.
- Maintain confidentiality regarding deceased persons and their families.
- Carry out any additional duties assigned by supervisors that fall within the scope of the position.
Minimum Requirements
Applicants must meet the following minimum qualification:
- Grade 12 (Matric).
Applicants who do not possess the required qualification may not be considered for the position.
Skills and Experience Required
Candidates should possess the following experience and competencies:
- Minimum of one to two years’ experience within the burial, funeral, or funeral planning industry.
- Good organisational and planning skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Ability to handle sensitive organs, medical instruments, and mortuary equipment with care.
- Good verbal communication skills.
- Ability to remain calm and professional while working with severely injured, decomposed, or unidentifiable bodies.
- High level of empathy, compassion, and emotional maturity when interacting with grieving families.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
- Strong understanding of hygiene and sanitation procedures.
- Willingness to work flexible schedules, including weekends, public holidays, evenings, and overnight shifts.
- Ability to perform physically demanding duties.
- Ability to follow instructions accurately.
- Strong sense of responsibility and professionalism.
- Commitment to maintaining confidentiality at all times.
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate should demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and compassion in every aspect of the job. Since funeral services involve supporting families during emotionally difficult times, respectful communication and sensitivity are essential qualities.
Candidates should be comfortable working in mortuary environments and should understand the importance of maintaining high hygiene standards throughout all operational activities.
Individuals who perform well under pressure, remain organised, and are committed to delivering quality service will be well suited for this position.
Working Environment
General Assistants work in different operational environments depending on daily requirements. These may include:
- Mortuaries
- Funeral homes
- Burial sites
- Funeral halls
- Viewing facilities
- Storage areas
- Transportation vehicles
The work may involve lifting, moving equipment, standing for extended periods, and working in emotionally demanding situations. Appropriate safety procedures must be followed at all times.
Available Locations
Applications are invited for the following locations:
- Warehouse 145 – 8 Positions
- Umlazi – 6 Positions
- Unit 6 – 4 Positions
- Verulam – 6 Positions
- Umkomaas – 4 Positions
- Newcastle – 2 Positions
- Ladysmith – 2 Positions
- Estcourt – 2 Positions
- Vryheid – 3 Positions
- Bergville – 3 Positions
- Dundee – 2 Positions
- Empangeni – 6 Positions
- Eshowe – 2 Positions
- Mandeni – 2 Positions
- Ixopo – 2 Positions
- Bizana – 2 Positions
- Kokstad – 2 Positions
- Matatiele – 2 Positions
- Temple – 4 Positions
- Greytown – 2 Positions
- Elandskop – 1 Position
- Richmond – 1 Position
- Nongoma – 2 Positions
- Ulundi – 3 Positions
- Pongola – 2 Positions
- Jozini – 2 Positions
- Mtubatuba – 3 Positions
Applicants should clearly indicate both the position title and the preferred location on the application or CV. Applications that do not specify the position and preferred location will not be considered during the selection process.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
Working in funeral services offers an opportunity to provide meaningful support to communities while developing valuable practical skills in a specialised industry. The position provides exposure to funeral operations, mortuary procedures, customer care, and operational support within a respected organisation.
Candidates with previous funeral industry experience may further strengthen their practical knowledge while working alongside experienced professionals in various operational environments.
Application Instructions
Interested applicants should prepare an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) containing accurate personal information, educational qualifications, employment history, and relevant work experience.
Before submitting an application, ensure that the preferred work location is clearly stated together with the position title. Failure to indicate both the job title and preferred location may result in the application not being considered.
Applications should be submitted before the closing date. Late applications may not be accepted.
Email Applications To: [email protected]
Email Subject Example:
Casual General Assistant – Empangeni
or
Casual General Assistant – Umlazi
Closing Date: 31 July 2026
Applications received after the closing date may not be considered. Early submission is encouraged to avoid last-minute delays.
Only candidates who meet the minimum requirements and are shortlisted may be contacted regarding the next stage of the recruitment process. If no communication is received after the recruitment process has been completed, the application should be regarded as unsuccessful.
