TOO many young people don’t bother with stokvels and societies because they assume their parents, gogos and mkhulus already have them covered.
But Mpho Morudu, chairwoman of Bokamoso Burial Society from Emasimini phase 3 in Kwathema, Ekurhuleni, said that idea is risky.
“Our parents are getting older and our grannies are dying, which is why it is very important to start your own stokvel, society or club just in case things go wrong.”
She said they started small with 14 members in 2002 but that’s grown to 50.
“I thank God for keeping us together for so many years. We have only lost one person since we started.”
They meet in phase 3 every month to pay R160 each.
Of this money, R120 is saved for burials, R10 is saved to pay for transport for members who have to travel long distances to bury a member or loved one.
The remaining R30 buys each member a plate of food at the meeting.
Mpho said they used to donate R10 or more as a community before they started their society.
“We realised that we were soon paying R32 every month because things are expensive. That’s why our society decided to increase our contributions gradually.”
She said they pay their funeral underwriter to supply the following package: a coffin, two family cars, a hearse, 40 chairs and two tables.
On top of that, the society pays transport money of R5 500 for members and their spouses. Dependents get R4 500.
All other outstanding costs that need to be paid for like food and transportation to and from the graveyard are for the mourner to pay.
Mpho said they also planned to help other needy people in their community.
