EVERY time they change their meeting venue, they also identify a family or person in need.
Whether the family needs food, wants a new paint job for their house or requires stationery for their kids, these guys help out.
“We want to stand out from the other burial societies,” said Zebulon Masuku, chairman of Stimela Club 09.
The club’s 12 members come from different areas in eTwatwa, Heidelberg and Daveyton, around Joburg.
“Each one of us must find a person or family that they think needs our help.
“If, as a member, you did not choose a needy family or person in your area that needs help, we will fine you R50.
“There’s no way that there isn’t at least one needy person in your area,” he said.
Zebulon said all members contribute R400 each every month. Of this money, R285 goes to their funeral insurance service provider, while R75 is deposited in the Stimela Club 09 bank account.
“The remaining cash is collected into R500 and given to the next meeting’s host so that he can buy and prepare refreshments for all of us,” said Zebulon.
Stimela was formed in 2014.
“We’re looking for new members. We want a maximum membership of 15.”
The main members and their spouses get R25 000 paid out for their funerals if they die.
Children and extended relatives are buried with R15 000, although this amount changes.
“We give the surviving relations R2 500 for grocery and R200 airtime which is from our service provider,” he said.
Zebulon added that they were very strict in their society and members who did not wear the club uniform or attend a meeting, would be fined. Those who failed to attend a club funeral were charged R100, even if they had a good reason to be absent.
If members have money problems, they can borrow money, but interest is charged on any loan that hasn’t been repaid after a six month grace period.
This extra cash and other donations are used to help the needy.
