New reality show “Die Ondernemers” streaming on Showmax puts the curiosity to an end as it delves into the funeral industry, spotlighting the larger-than-life personalities who guide families through the process of arranging funerals.
“Die Ondernemers” is produced by POP24, who are behind SAFTAs18 nominated titles “Bae Beyond Borders” and “The Mommy Club”
The series offers an inside look at the work of three undertakers, showcasing their roles from start to finish.
The cast includes Candice Austin, owner of Goodall & Bourne Funeral Undertakers; Jano van der Berg, owner of Van der Berg Funeral Services; and former Stormers rugby player Ramone Samuels, managing director of SamWill Funeral Services, co-owned by his brother, Springbok fullback Damian Willemse.
Van der Berg, 33, in an interview, gave the rundown on working with the dead, his music career and the show.
Van der Berg admits watching himself on-screen has been quite the journey. “It honestly makes me feel very proud of myself and how far I have come.
“Through this journey, I get to give people an inside look at my daily life as an undertaker.”
Van der Berg wants viewers to watch “Die Ondernemers" to understand and appreciate what undertakers go through to make their loved ones' funerals dignified.
“The biggest misconception I have heard about undertakers is that we are in it for the money and that we do not care about the well-being of the people we are assisting. That is not true - we go out of our way to give people excellent service in their time of need.”
During his years as an undertaker, Van der Berg has seen his fair share of scary things such as a corpse grabbing his hand - twice as he was dressing it.
“Die Ondernemers” also shows the extravagant things people want for the funerals of their loved ones.
The craziest request Van der Berg received was when a client wanted to fill half of the grave with rose petals for his deceased wife because her favourite song was Bon Jovi’s “Bed of Roses”.
Van der Burg has a deep passion for music but he admits there is no perfect balance between music and undertaking. “ I am passionate about music and undertaking so I take turns with each.
“There are times when undertaking is my sole focus, and there are times when music is what I focus on. They work hand in hand because in both I have to read the crowd and know what to do next.”
IOL Entertainment