Icebolethu Group is inviting applications from suitably qualified female candidates for temporary General Assistant positions across various areas in KwaZulu-Natal and surrounding regions. The organisation is recognised as an authorised financial services provider and continues to provide dignified funeral and burial solutions to communities across South Africa. These opportunities are ideal for candidates seeking employment within the funeral and burial services environment while contributing to compassionate support services for grieving families.

The available positions form part of the burial services division and require dedicated individuals who can work professionally in highly sensitive environments. Candidates with previous experience in funeral services, mortuary support, removals, and body preparation are encouraged to apply before the closing date.

About the Position

The General Assistant role focuses on providing operational and support services within the burial and funeral services environment. Successful candidates will assist with removals, mortuary administration, body preparation, equipment sterilisation, funeral setup arrangements, and other related duties.

The role requires emotional maturity, professionalism, attention to detail, and the ability to work calmly under pressure. Candidates must also be comfortable working around deceased individuals and handling responsibilities that require compassion and confidentiality.

This opportunity offers valuable exposure within the funeral and burial services sector and may suit candidates interested in long-term careers within mortuary services, funeral planning, and funeral operations support.

Minimum Requirements

Applicants interested in the position must meet the following minimum requirements:

• Grade 12 qualification
• Minimum of 1–2 years of experience in burials, funeral services, or funeral planning
• Strong organisational and administrative abilities
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively with colleagues and grieving families
• Ability to work professionally with gruesome or unidentifiable bodies
• Emotional resilience and empathy
• Willingness to work irregular hours, night shifts, weekends, and public holidays when required
• Ability to follow health and safety procedures within mortuary environments
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times

Candidates with previous mortuary experience, body preparation knowledge, or funeral operations support experience may have an added advantage during the recruitment process.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Successful candidates appointed as General Assistants will be responsible for a variety of operational and support duties within the mortuary and funeral services environment.

Mortuary and Removal Support

Responsibilities include assisting with the removal and transportation of deceased individuals from hospitals, homes, accident scenes, and other locations. Candidates will also help ensure that all procedures are followed correctly during removals and transfers.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Registering deceased details accurately on the mortuary register
• Ensuring correct labelling of bodies and storage information
• Washing and storing bodies in the appropriate mortuary trays
• Ensuring all bodies are stored in their allocated locations
• Assisting with body identification processes
• Preparing bodies for autopsy procedures
• Washing and preparing bodies before collection by families

Cleaning and Hygiene Duties

Maintaining hygiene and cleanliness within mortuary facilities forms an important part of the position. Successful applicants will assist in cleaning mortuary spaces and ensuring that all areas remain sanitised and safe.

Duties include:

• Cleaning mortuary and viewing areas
• Sterilising autopsy instruments and equipment
• Preparing instruments required by pathologists
• Washing and sterilising instruments after autopsies
• Ensuring compliance with hygiene and safety standards

Funeral and Burial Assistance

General Assistants will also support funeral and burial operations by assisting with setup activities and ensuring equipment is properly prepared.

Responsibilities include:

• Coffining bodies
• Assisting with funeral hall and grave decoration setup
• Installing lowering device machines
• Preparing equipment and materials required for funerals
• Monitoring mortuary access and signing in visitors
• Releasing bodies to authorised family members or representatives

Family Support Responsibilities

Candidates may occasionally interact with grieving families and friends. Professional communication and empathy are essential when dealing with emotional situations.

Duties may include:

• Providing updates regarding autopsy procedures when necessary
• Assisting families during collection arrangements
• Supporting funeral preparation processes
• Maintaining respectful communication with clients and visitors

Available Vacancies and Areas

A total of 31 temporary vacancies are available across different locations.

• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 8
  Reference Number: 070526DBN
  Area: Thekwini
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526GTN
  Area: Greytown
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526BGVL
  Area: Bergville
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526KOK
  Area: Kokstad
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526CLER
  Area: Clermont
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526UNIT6
  Area: Hammarsdale
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526UMKS
  Area: Umkomaas
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526VRLM
  Area: Verulam
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526DDEE
  Area: Dundee
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526ESCT
  Area: Estcourt
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526NGM
  Area: Nongoma
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526VRYH
  Area: Vryheid
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526PONG
  Area: Pongola
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526JZN
  Area: Jozini
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526MTB
  Area: Mtubatuba
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526MTTL
  Area: Matatiele
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526HDNG
  Area: Harding
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526PTS
  Area: Port Shepstone
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526EMP
  Area: Empangeni
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526MAND
  Area: Mandeni
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526ESHW
  Area: Eshowe
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526LDST
  Area: Ladysmith
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526NWSL
  Area: Newcastle
• Position: General Assistant
  Vacancies: 1
  Reference Number: 070526MTT
  Area: Mthatha

Skills Required for Success

Candidates applying for these positions should possess several important personal and professional qualities. Since the role involves working closely with deceased individuals and grieving families, emotional intelligence and professionalism are essential.

Important qualities include:

• Compassion and empathy
• Respect for confidentiality
• Physical fitness and stamina
• Ability to remain calm under pressure
• Strong communication skills
• Teamwork abilities
• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to follow detailed instructions
• Respect for cultural and religious funeral practices

The position may also require working during evenings, weekends, and emergency situations. Candidates must therefore be flexible and willing to adapt to changing schedules.

Employment Equity

The organisation supports the principles of the Employment Equity Act and remains committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the workplace. Female candidates from different backgrounds are encouraged to apply for these opportunities.

Applications from White, Coloured, and Indian female candidates are specifically encouraged in support of employment equity objectives and workplace diversity initiatives.

Application Process

Interested candidates must submit updated CVs before the application closing date. Applicants are advised to clearly indicate the position title and relevant reference number when submitting applications.

Applications that do not clearly specify the position being applied for may not be considered during the shortlisting process.

Application Email Address

• Applications must be submitted to: icebo_hr@icebolethu.co.za

Closing Date

The closing date for applications is: 22 May 2026

Late applications may not be considered. Candidates are encouraged to submit applications as early as possible to avoid missing the deadline.

Important Notes for Applicants

Candidates should ensure that all information provided on the CV is accurate and up to date. Supporting documents such as qualifications, identity documents, and references may be requested during later stages of the recruitment process.

Only shortlisted candidates may be contacted regarding interviews or assessments. If no feedback is received within a reasonable period after the closing date, the application may be considered unsuccessful.

This opportunity presents a chance for experienced and compassionate individuals to contribute meaningfully within the funeral and burial services sector while gaining valuable industry experience across multiple operational areas.