12 Apr 2017

Driven by the Setswana proverbs mabogo dinku a a thebana (we have to work together to achieve more) and setshwarwa ke ntsa pedi ga se thata (team work bears more fruit than individual work), residents of Goo-Mogorosi ward in Mmankgodi have advanced among themselves a funeral cover plan to assist during the passing of loved ones.

The brains behind the initiative, Mr Obusitswe Semphorile said in an interview that it was distressing to see people struggle to give their loved ones a dignified burial service due to financial constraints.

“Even though we know about the certainty of death, it comes when we least expect it and not prepared for it,” explained Mr Semphorile, who believes that because economically we are not equal, humanity should support each other financially, spiritually, emotionally and even physically in different times of need.

“As a ward in the village, we are like one big family since we are all related and share the same thing, we are all Bahurutshe, we should be able to rely on one another in whatever challenges that each family might face,” said Mr Semphorile.

He further revealed that each family payed a registration fee once and would only contribute again when someone from a family that is part of the funeral cover plan had died.

He said they had elected an executive committee that accounted for the monies contributed.

“We also hold consultative meetings at equal intervals to inform members about the progress,” he adds.

The funeral cover plan, which has been operating since 2015, has helped one Ms Emily Sekgetle bury her son, who passed on in what she described as a tragic and untimely road accident last year, with dignity.

She said she was grateful for the initiative, saying it was not only about the money, but members also came to give moral support to the grieving family.

Another member of the funeral cover plan, Mr Kedikilwe Kegosele also expressed thanks for the initiative and criticised residents who refused to join, saying no man was an island.

She also rebuked members who wanted to cause confusion as to who should be covered and who should not, especially in families with members who were not married and had kids outside Mmankgodi.

In conclusion, Mr Semphorile encouraged Batswana to come up with ways that they could also use to help one another out at any level of need.

He expressed gratitude to Boo-Sethebe for welcoming his initiative with open arms. ENDS