By Noko Mashilo
As South Africa observed Mental Health Awareness Month in October, Tshebedisano Burial Society and Funerals, led by Pamela Motlhabi in Soweto, is calling for greater attention to the emotional and psychological wellbeing of funeral industry professionals.
Morticians and undertakers face death and grief every single day. They comfort families, handle tragedy with dignity, and create a sense of peace for those left behind. Yet, behind their strength lies a quiet struggle, the unspoken grief and emotional fatigue that comes from constant exposure to loss.
“People often forget that those who serve grieving families also carry grief of their own,” Motlhabi told Vula Vala.
“We see pain every day, and while we remain strong for others, the emotional weight can become overwhelming. This is why mental health support for morticians must be part of the national conversation.”
Motlhabi emphasized that mental wellness in the funeral industry should not be an afterthought. She is calling for safe spaces for debriefing, access to counselling and trauma support, and a shift in how society views funeral professionals, not just as service providers, but as emotional first responders who also need care and healing.
“Grief does not end when the family leaves the chapel,” she added. “It follows us home, and without proper support, it can silently affect our wellbeing. During Mental Health Month, we reminded everyone that healing others begins with healing ourselves.”
Tshebedisano Funerals encourages funeral homes, associations, and communities to join in creating wellness programs and peer support systems for those working in the funeral sector. The organization also plans to host conversations and reflection sessions to help staff and peers navigate grief in healthy, healing ways.
“Through our Voice of Grief podcast and the annual Tshebedisano Winter Games, a national soccer tournament supported by the Sainty Foundation led by Wellness and fitness coach, Thato Dladla, we continue to heal broken souls. At Tshebedisano, mental health matters,” said Motlhabi.
Motlhabi said this year during the men’s mental health month, she took her male employees for hiking. “We wanted to honour them because these men show up every day with strength, respect, and care in one of the most emotionally demanding spaces, our funeral parlour.
In a world where the saying “tigers do not cry” still echoes loudly, we recognize the silent weight that many men carry, the pressure to remain unshaken, to hold emotions in, and to be a pillar for everyone else. We wanted them to know, they are not just allowed to feel, they are encouraged to,” said this philanthropist, better known for her generosity.
She further said she took her female employees for hiking too during woman’s month. “Grief walks through our doors every day, and they meet it with dignity and compassion. That takes more than strength; it takes heart. And behind the professionalism, we see the real women who cares deeply, even when words are few,” said Motlhabi.
Motlhabi encourages everyone to recognize and appreciate those who carry the nation’s grief with grace, and ensure that they, too, receive the compassion they so freely give to others. Perhaps that is why our motto is a dignified farewell,” she concluded.
