DEATH oftens happen unexpectedly and funerals are expensive.
This is why many people join burial societies.
But many of Tsogang Social Club’s members left once the society provided a decent burial for their dead loved ones.
Esther Morei from Masosobane, Phokeng, in the North West, told SunStokvel: “We had about 30 members but now, years later, only 10 of us remain to help each other.
“It may seem sad but we have learnt to appreciate what we have. We found out that Tsogang is more manageable now than it ever was. As long as we are able to afford contributions we don’t need to increase the membership.”
Tsogang’s members meet once a month at the same venue and contribute R100 each. The money is saved in a bank account.
In 2009, the members decided on a specific uniform which they still wear today.
The other function of Tsogang was to buy members pots and other kitchenware every six months – if they didn’t need to pay for a burial.
If a society member dies, Tsogang pays out R10 000 to the member’s grieving family. If a listed relative of a member – a sub-member – should die, the society pays out R5 000.
Esther said that if there is another special occasion worth celebrating, such as a wedding or tombstone unveiling, the members are expected to pay R50 each which is used to buy a joint gift from everyone.
At the end of the year, members meet for a closing party and then again for an opening party in the new year. Tsogang pays for both events.
