THE need for decent burials is always a concern for communities.
Families want to see their loved ones get a good send-off, but cash flow remains a problem for many.
This led to Pimville United Brothers Soccer Club – or Pubs, as they call it, forming their society 25 years ago.
Marshall Mathabe, spokesman for Pubs, said trust, understanding and love were some of the reasons they were still together to this day.
“We are always there for each other, in happiness and sorrow.”
Marshall said their aim was to reduce the numbers of paupers’ funerals after the family of one of their player’s struggled to pay for his funeral.
This led to the members starting the club which now consists of 18 members.
Another of Pubs’ 18 members, Benedict “Scara” Modumo, who is the eldest in the group, said they met every last Sunday of the month to pay R200, which was saved for burials, and talked about how they could help their children or grandchildren make it in soccer.
He said the club covered main members as well as their spouses, children, parents and in-laws.
The club pays R10 000 for a member or their spouse’s funeral, while its less money for children and other dependents. If a member dies, his wife takes over payments but she doesn’t have to attend meetings.
Also when one of their members has an activity at home, he or she invites the rest of the club to join the celebrations.
“What makes us tick is that we bury our dead without any problems. If we get the call that one of us has died, the money is paid within 48 hours,” said chairman John Malatse.
New members are welcome but they must pay a R10 000 joining fee. It can be paid in instalments but once you are finished paying it in full, you are a full member and can be helped thereafter.
