WHEN Merafe Burial Society was started many years ago, Jeremia Mokwena from Soshanguve, north of Tshwane, was still a young man.
Today, the organisation, which was started with only 17 members, is 54 years old and it’s still going strong. In fact, they know of people who are waiting to join them.
“We are currently 80 members but most of us will retire soon, and we want young people to take over from us.
“I joined Merafe in the 1980s after I made a choice to be part of the group and I am still here.
“However, I am 77 years old now and it is time the young bloods took charge.”
Merafe was formed in 1962. Originally it was in Meadolands, Soweto, but in 1982 they moved to Mmakaunyane Village where they stayed.
Like most societies, they meet every month at a different member’s place. At meetings they discuss issues of the organisation, contribute R80 and enjoy refreshments.
If a member or a member’s close relative dies, Merafe pays out an amount of R12 500 to the grieving family to help cover the burial cost.
Unlike most stokvels, social club and societies, this organisation allows its members to retire when they turn 60 without losing the benefits they spent a lifetime paying for.
