What began as a small gathering of 30 neighbours in May 2021 has blossomed into a massive community-driven movement that is redefining social security in Insiza South.
Godlwayo Family United, an initiative born out of a desire for mutual support during times of bereavement, has grown to 517 members.
The growth was revealed by the group’s chairperson, Nation Mhlophe, during the organisation’s get-together party held on December 26, 2025, at Vokola Business Centre.
The group operates on a model of collective responsibility, where members contribute R100 each when a fellow member loses a loved one, making sure no family faces the burden of funeral costs alone.
According to the chairperson,the organisation’s growth has been so significant that it is now transitioning from a small group to a bigger one.
“The number went up to 200 then we said have we closed to new members, but people saw the initiative was doing well and asked to join,” said Mhlophe.
Mhlophe explained how the demand led to the creation of three separate groups managed by a single central committee.
Despite the large membership, the group maintains a strict discipline, members have three days to contribute their R100 rands following a death, or they face removal from the group to make sure the system remains reliable for everyone.
The impact of Godlwayo Family United was on full display this week during their inaugural get-together function held on December 26, 2025.
Members contributed R50 each towards the celebrations, raising a total of R23 000 to purchase a cow and food for the festivities.
The chairperson explained that the event served not only as a celebration of their success but also as a showcase for potential supporters.
The vision has already attracted significant local backing, including a generous donation of a cow, half a tonne of mealie-meal and US$1 000 from Director of Enock Construction, Butho Dube, while Mandlenkosi Moyo, a councilor in West Nicholson also contributed a cow and another US$1 000 to the cause.
Looking towards the future, the group has set its sights on major infrastructure projects to further serve the Filabusi area.
“Going forward, we wish to build our own mortuary and buy our hearse, this will help us,” Mhlophe noted.
He further highlighted the group’s ambition to protect this growth, the leadership is currently focused on formalising their operations, a move intended to provide a legal and ethical framework for the hundreds of members involved.
“We are thinking of having our constitution that will guide us and protect the monies,” he said.
Currently, the group operates on a decentralised, trust-based system. There is no joining fee, and members keep their own money until a bereavement occurs. Contributions are then sent directly to the bereaved family or delivered to designated collection points in Vokola Business Centre, Filabusi, and Bulawayo.
“To become a fully qualified member entitled to coverage, an individual must successfully contribute to three consecutive calls for help,”he said.