IN many Mzansi communities, life brings many challenges, and while some are temporary, others are permanent . . .
But when life takes a bad turn, friends and family unite to make coping with life easier.
Sam Molobi from Springs, Ekhurhuleni, and his friends understood exactly this needs to happen.
In 2001, Sam and three friends had a meeting as they did regularly, but at this one, they decided to form a burial society, Payneville.
“When we started it was a few of us and our contributions, but our society grew to 32 members in just two years and each of us is expected to contribute R260 at each of the monthly meetings.
“We meet at a different place every month and the host is expected to prepare meals and drinks for the day. To help them, R1 450 is given to the host from all the contributions,” he said.
The reason they get together every month was to save for sad days. If a member or a member’s spouse dies, Payneville pays R12 000 to the grieving family to help cover costs at this difficult time. Members get R7 000 if a child dies and extended relatives, R400.
It wasn’t enough however that the members saved money for sad days.
When they realised that the society was heading towards its 10th birthday, members decided to hold a big birthday party for Payneville.
As a result of their many meetings and celebrations, the society has also bought a tent and 50 chairs which are very useful during society meetings.