Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group

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Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group

For branch locator, please see www.sonjasmith-funerals.co.za. Some of the Programmes are Issues of Faith, SABC2 Fokus, KYKNET Kwêla and M-NET Carte Blanche.

THE FUNERAL HOME OF TOMORROW

Sonja Smith-Janse van Rensburg is Managing Director of the Sonja Smith Funeral Group since inception date, 1 March 2006. This Multi-Award Winning Company is based in Benoni, Centurion, Fourways, Mayville, Meyerspark, Midstream, Montana, Moot, Moreletapark & Roodepoort and she is currently in the process of expanding nationwide. She has received many Accolades:

National Small Business Chamber of SA:
Woman in Business Champion 2015

Business Excellence Forum SA:
Most Innovative Company 2015

Hirsch's Centurion:
Woman in Business Achiever October 2015

Sonja is also a former Businesswoman of the Year of the Centurion Business Forum as well as a Centurion of the Year finalist. She does many Radio Talks on a variety of subjects and was aired on RSG (Praat Saam & Geestesgesondheid), Classic Business on Classic FM, Pretoria FM and Radio Pulpit. She has also featured in 7 National Television Programmes, some in which she created huge awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease & Stillborn Babies around the country. She is a past President of Toastmasters International (Centurion Club) and presents Seminars & Training in Hospitals and Retirement Homes around the country. She was a Guest Speaker at the SA Funeral Expo held at the Sandton Convention Centre in 2014, with her topic The Funeral Home of Tomorrow. Sonja is a member of the Gerontological Association of SA, (Pretoria-branch) where they focus on the needs of the Aged. Sonja is regarded as a leading role player in the Funeral Industry of SA, she is an Entrepreneur, an Innovator and was the first to introduce Green Funerals to SA. She has been featured in many newspapers, magazines such as Rapport, Beeld, Volksblad & Die Burger, Vrouekeur, Entrepreneur, Finesse and The SA Wood & Timber Times, who wrote the following about her fresh and new approach to the funeral industry, especially with regards to her Natural Woven Products.

“A remarkable endeavour, firstly because of the gall inherent in challenging the traditional coffin-manufacturing route that to date has ruled the roost locally. Secondly, it’s permeated by a strategic vision that far outstrips the boundaries set for the local funeral industry to date. Thirdly it makes for a softer approach to the harsh reality of death. And finally, it encapsulates the spirit that make entrepreneurs who they are – daring to go where none have gone before.”

She regularly travels overseas where she establishes links with overseas suppliers, investigates new concepts in funerals and renews the funeral industry locally with her fresh approach. Sonja is also the Founding Director of The Voice of the Unborn Baby, a Non-Profit company that is currently challenging legislation with regards to miscarried/stillborn babies. It is a huge ethical debate and Sonja is fighting for her Cause that miscarried babies born before 26 weeks of gestation should not be treated as medical waste. Sonja wants to change legislation in order for parents of these babies to have a choice as to what should happen to the mortal remains of their babies who never saw the light. She was the Guest Speaker at a Healing Concert held at Artscape, Cape Town during Womens’ week on this subject. A Parliamentary Questionnaire has already been raised as a result of her efforts. On television, SABC2 covered the story 'Net vir 'n Graffie' on Fokus and 'Miscarriage of Justice' was the main feature on M-Net Carte Blanche during October 2015. Sonja is married to Rian Janse van Rensburg, a Certified Financial Planner with SANLAM. They have 2 sons and a daughter and are the proud grandparents of 3 grandchildren. Sonja says: “If I knew how much fun grandchildren were, I would have had them first!”

29/12/2025

Can you place personal items or clothing in a coffin for a cremation?

Some items can be included, but there are restrictions for safety and regulatory reasons. Clothing is generally allowed, but certain materials and objects cannot go into a cremation chamber.

Do you need more guidance on the process of a cremation? Speak to us about this or anything else you may require help with: sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/cremations/

26/12/2025

Did you know?

When a loved one from another country passes away in South Africa, we can guide you through all the necessary arrangements. Whether you wish to repatriate them to their homeland, or have them cremated or buried here, we make sure their final farewell is handled respectfully and with care.

🌐 Learn more or get in touch: sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/contact-us

25/12/2025

To those who celebrate, we wish you a blessed festive season this Christmas.

May you and your loved ones have a wonderful time and create meaningful memories together during this time.

22/12/2025

Having funeral cover in place means your loved ones aren’t left handling unexpected costs during a difficult time. It’s a practical, thoughtful way to provide support even when you’re not there.

🌐 Find out more: sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/contact-us

Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, FSP No. 47204

19/12/2025

Worrying doesn’t change the outcome; it only adds to your burden.

Focus on what you can control and give yourself permission to let go of the rest.

16/12/2025

Considering the nature of our work, we see the importance of understanding, forgiveness, and coming together every day.

This is no different on a larger scale. Let us take a moment to appreciate our shared values and the strength found in respecting one another.

Happy Reconciliation Day, South Africa!

15/12/2025

A unique funeral can be a meaningful way to honour your loved one in a way that truly reflects who they were.

Whether it’s a favourite setting, special music, or personal touches, a more individual service can bring comfort and create a space that feels authentic to their life.

If you’d like to explore different ways to personalise a farewell, we’re here to guide you through the options.

🕊️sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/

12/12/2025

We can’t take your pain away, but we make the process of saying goodbye as gentle as possible.

Let us guide you through the process with care, respect, and gentleness.

🌐 https://sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/

10/12/2025

Technically, anyone can be the executor of a deceased estate. But it’s a role with a lot of legal responsibilities, from managing debts to distributing assets and making sure everything follows the law.

That’s why it’s often recommended to appoint someone with legal knowledge, like a lawyer, auditor, trust company, or experienced law firm. Their expertise can help make the process smoother and reduce the chance of mistakes or disputes, giving the family some peace of mind during a difficult time.

08/12/2025

Taking out funeral cover today is a way of caring for your loved ones when the time comes. Help them say goodbye without worrying about the costs.

🌐 Learn more: sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/contact-us

Sonja Smith Elite Funeral Group is an Authorised Financial Services Provider, FSP No. 47204

05/12/2025

Sometimes the best way forward is to let go. Release the pressure, embrace acceptance, and give yourself permission to live more freely.

Address

85 Lyttelton Road, Clubview
Centurion
0157

Telephone

+27798954414

Website

http://www.sonjasmith-funerals.co.za/

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Our Story

Sonja Smith-Janse van Rensburg is Managing Director of the Sonja Smith Funeral Group since inception date, 1 March 2006.

This Multi-Award Winning Company is based in Centurion, Pretoria & Midstream and they are currently in the process of expanding nationwide.

Sonja has received many Accolades:

· National Small Business Chamber of SA: Woman in Business Champion 2015

· Business Excellence Forum SA: Most Innovative Company 2015

· Hirsch's Centurion: Woman in Business Achiever October 2015

· Sonja is also a former Businesswoman of the Year of the Centurion Business Forum

· She was a Centurion of the Year finalist

She does many Radio Talks on a variety of subjects and was aired on:

· RSG (Praat Saam & Geestesgesondheid)

· Classic Business on Classic FM

· Pretoria FM

· Radio Pulpit

She has also featured in 7 National Television Programmes, some in which she created huge awareness for Alzheimer’s Disease & Stillborn Babies around the country.

Some of the Programmes are:

· Issues of Faith

· SABC2 Fokus

· KYKNET Kwêla

· M-NET Carte Blanche

Sonja was the Chairman of Centurion Hospice for two consecutive years and she serves on the Board of Directors of a Boutique Retirement Hotel and the Body Corporate of a Retirement Home.

She is a former President of Toastmasters International (Centurion Club) and presents Seminars & Training in Hospitals and Retirement Homes around the country.

She was a Keynote Speaker at the 10th Child Health Priorities Conference at North-West University in 2019, Speaker at the Midwifery and Dying Conference, Cape Town (2020), Keynote Speaker at the Midwifery & Birth Conference, Cape Town (2017), the PsySSA Congress of the Psychological Society of SA (2016). Sonja was also invited as Guest Speaker at the SA Funeral Expo held by the NFDA at the Sandton Convention Centre in 2014, with her topic The Funeral Home of Tomorrow.

Sonja is a member of the Gerontological Association of SA, (Pretoria-branch) where they focus on the needs of the Aged.

She is regarded as a leading role player in the Funeral Industry of SA, she is an Entrepreneur, an Innovator and was the first to introduce Green Funerals to SA.

She has been featured in many newspapers, magazines such as:

· Rapport

· Beeld

· Volksblad

· Die Burger

· Vrouekeur

· Entrepreneur

· Finesse

· The SA Wood & Timber Times, who wrote the following about her fresh and new approach to the funeral industry, especially with regards to her Natural Woven Products.

“A remarkable endeavour, firstly because of the gall inherent in challenging the traditional coffin-manufacturing route that to date has ruled the roost locally.

Secondly, it’s permeated by a strategic vision that far outstrips the boundaries set for the local funeral industry to date.

Thirdly it makes for a softer approach to the harsh reality of death. And finally, it encapsulates the spirit that make entrepreneurs who they are – daring to go where none have gone before.”

Sonja regularly travels overseas where she establishes links with overseas suppliers, investigates new concepts in funerals and renews the funeral industry locally with her fresh approach.

She is also the Founding Director of The Voice of the Unborn Baby, a Non-Profit company that is currently challenging legislation with regards to miscarried/stillborn babies.

It is a huge ethical debate and Sonja is fighting for her Cause that miscarried babies born before 26 weeks of gestation should not be treated as medical waste. Sonja wants to change legislation in order for parents of these babies to have a choice as to what should happen to the mortal remains of their babies who never saw the light.

She was the Guest Speaker at a Healing Concert held at Artscape, Cape Town during Womens’ Week on this subject. A Parliamentary Questionnaire has already been raised as a result of her efforts.

On television, SABC2 covered the story 'Net vir 'n Graffie' and ‘Nader aan ‘n Graffie’ on Fokus and 'Miscarriage of Justice' was the main feature on M-Net Carte Blanche during October 2015.

Sonja is married to Rian Janse van Rensburg, a Certified Financial Planner with SANLAM. They have 2 sons and a daughter and are the proud grandparents of 2 little boys and a little girl. Sonja says: “If I knew how much fun grandchildren were, I would have had them first!”