It’s a three-person business that was set up in 2002 to make coffins and caskets. Louw, a retired carpenter, soon realised there was an opportunity to teach others. Eighteen years later, after adding a secretary, the school is busier than ever.
For a kit costing R2 600, trainees receive learning materials, including an instructional video, and an infant’s coffin as a model. For R4 600, people can attend a two-day course at the school. Covid-19-related deaths, coupled with joblessness and shrinking salaries, are taking a financial toll on families. Louw described the inquiries he is receiving about ready-made coffins and caskets as “frightening”.
He estimates the cheapest, well-built coffin could cost as little as R1 200. Some businesses now offer sturdy cardboard coffins.