Kedikilwe calls for transparency in societies
Ivy Matlho | Tuesday November 24, 2015 14:58
Speaking during the launch of the burial society on Saturday, Kedikilwe said that it is important for members to know that transparency can earn them trust from the community they serve. He said transparency ensures that everyone has a say and satisfaction in the running of the society. “Consultation and transparency are very important,” he advised.
He urged members to trust each other and unite, as that will ensure that they attract many people to the society. He said it is important for members to trust each other and avoid cheap talk that may lead to the society failing.
“You have to trust each other as members so that you earn trust from the community and that will attract members to your fold. Many societies have failed because of lack of trust among members,” he said.
“You have to show that you are responsible by avoiding issues such as using the society’s money without other members’ approval. Societies have lost people’s trust due to issues concerning cheating.”
He also advised society members to engage in other income generating activities rather than relying only on the monthly contributions. He said the society members should also consider using modern technology to help their society grow.
Founder of Mmangwana Burial Society Gabaagelwe Rachere said: “Mobilising people was not easy because most of the people I approached showed no interest, but I kept on showing them the importance of joining the burial society,” she said.
Rachere said the idea of a burial society was born after she attended the funeral of a member of a disadvantaged family which was not able to give the deceased a proper send-off.
“I started this idea after I attended a funeral where family members were struggling to contribute money to bury the deceased because of their financial state. I was very hurt by the experience and decided to start a burial society to help my community,” she said.
The society started last year October with only 11 members but the number has grown to 80 and helps its members during funerals and wedding celebrations.
Rachere stated that so far they have helped arrange 27 funerals for their members and used a total of P92,000. They have also spent P42,000 in wedding celebrations.
Meanwhile, Mmangwana Burial Society has also donated toiletry hampers worth P4,000 to disabled children at St Peters Primary School.