When Sithembiso Nkala* died last month at the age of 46 in a small Bulawayo township, the red flag mounted at the gate of her uncle’s house to announce the funeral flapped against the cool early winter breeze for almost two weeks.
In the past, a family member of the deceased would go house-to-house collecting maize meal but with the cost of the country’s staple also affected byCoupled with the absence of once thriving burial societies and incomes corroded by inflation, deaths have brought fresh headaches. In recent years, funeral policy premiums have not been spared the wrath of daily price increases.
Since retiring five years ago, he says his pension is so little he has not been able to service his policy, which has since lapsed despite monthly payments. “When I die I won’t get any assistance. The only assured assistance will come from people’s goodwill.” “Now and then we do receive requests for donations with regards to funeral services at zero cost to the bereaved family, or at a significant discount. As a responsible corporate citizen we have initiated rendering assistance where it is needed.”
In Bulawayo’s Kelvin industrial area, where small funeral parlours once thrived, businesses have been replaced by activities such as sewing and brick moulding. “The trend of pauper burials has not changed over the years. Stillbirths are given normal graves and at times relatives may not feel it is worth it to pay for the grave, especially those who may have financial problems,” said Nesisa Mpofu, the city’s spokesperson.
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