BURIALS are no longer a sad event where we say our goodbyes to the departed.
These days people need to save a lot of money to afford a dignified burial.
Sibambene Burial Society was formed so its members had comfort in trying times.
Chairman Mzayifani Thenjekwayo said before the society was founded, members used to contribute R100 each toward funeral costs.
“It’s heartbreaking when a family is more worried about burial expenses than dealing with the grief,” he said.
In 2011, members decided to stop making donations and started a burial society.
Sibambene has 33 members – mainly men – and they meet on the first Sunday of every month.
Society meetings are held at various places in and around Tshepisong, in the West Rand.
During meetings, every member contributes R200 that goes into the Sibambene’s savings account. Of this amount, R30 pays for refreshments.
In case a main member or their spouse dies, the society pays out R12 000 to the grieving family.
For a dependent, the payout is R6 000, but for every year the dependent stays listed, the society tops it up with another R1 000.
“If a member dies, his family stays covered for six months without paying any contributions,” Mzayifani said.
“If a member’s widow wants to continue as a member of Sibambene, she needs a male family member to join on her behalf. We welcome new member. There’s a joining fee of R4 000 and a six-month waiting period.”
