To alleviate the burden of rising funeral costs on families, the Bulawayo Progressive Residents Association (BPRA) has introduced Uhlelo Lwezakhamizi funeral cover, which will offer support during times of bereavement.
In recent years, the cost of funerals in Bulawayo has sharply risen, placing a significant financial strain on many families.
According to a 2023 report by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT), the average funeral costs in Bulawayo has increased by approximately 30 percent over the past five years.
Burial fees at municipal cemeteries have increased from around US$100 in 2018 to over US$150 in 2023.
The prices of coffins and caskets have surged due to inflation and rising material costs. Fees for essential services such as body preparation, hearse rentals, and memorial services have also risen.
Issues such as inflation, cultural, and religious requirements mean that many families in Bulawayo find themselves unprepared and financially strained when faced with the sudden expense of a funeral. The decline of burial societies, once thriving community-based groups, has also affected financial support during funerals.
To address these challenges, BPRA Executive Director Permanent Ngoma announced the launch of the Uhlelo Lwezakhamizi funeral policy. This initiative aims to provide residents with affordable funeral cover and create employment opportunities for young people as agents of the funeral cover.
“The cover provides cash back benefits upon death to the lives that are under the contract. Cashback is paid within 24 hours, allowing the bereaved families to cover immediate expenses. We engaged in this initiative after realizing that residents are generally struggling to cover their funeral expenses,” she said.
Ngoma stated that each ward will have agents operating. “Cover commences immediately after paying the first premium. The waiting period is three months for the main holder and immediate family members such as a spouse and children, while for the extended family, which may include adult dependents and non-biological children, it commences after six months.”
“Premiums are as low as US$2 and a maximum of US$5. The cash benefit ranges between US$500 and US$1,000 depending on the cover selected,” she said.
Ngoma also mentioned that Uhlelo Lwezakhamizi policy is a cashback plan, allowing people to join other funeral covers that provide just services. “Our focus for now is mainly on the cashback aspect.”
“BPRA has partnered with MicroSure Insurance as underwriters for the policy. MicroSure’s role is to assess the risks, settle the claims upon assessment, and assist the organization by training coordinators and agents for the policy,” said Ngoma.
“If one is interested in joining, they are free to visit our offices at the Fidelity Building or contact our chairpersons within each ward for more information.”
She added that the cover is also open to residents based in the diaspora.
“The policy also covers ambulance costs if one needs an ambulance, recognising that residents may at times fail to call an ambulance due to lack of resources at that specific moment,” said Ngoma.
