FEDERATIONS of burial societies are commonly known for increasing membership for one common reason – to bury the dead.
But this federation, Greater Westonaria Burial Society, intends to venture into the business of opening their own funeral parlour and to sell coffins.
“This strategic business venture will maximise profit to sustain our long term budget and also to exercise our social responsibility plans like helping the disadvantaged members of the community and revamping the old age centres.
“The funeral policies will be cheaper, increasing membership in the broader community. The overall plan is to unite community members,” said their president, Barang Rampaku.
Barang said the federation is comprised of three burial societies namely Redumetse, the Golden Masakhane and the Bekkersdal Helping Hands societies.
The federation was established back in 2001 and continues to bring unity on the ground, especially because the federation is not solely made up of members from one township but beyond the district of the West Rand.
“Currently we have 60 members. Each society pays a premium of R350 a month. We have some members who are ageing and the more we get involved in business, the more the elders’ chances of paying huge premiums will decrease,” Barang added.
“Recently we partnered with construction business giant, Ray Jwaga, the Helping Hands Burial Society and ANC ward councillor Dumile Sithole, who helps with donations. We donated a gas stove to the home centres caring for needy and abandoned kids and women, called Human against Abuse.”
“Each member pays R25. The benefit after the funeral is R5 000. We meet once a month,” he said.
