MPUMALANGA – Delays in payment of claims by insurance companies and the absence of a specialised governmental department dedicated to addressing the specific requirements of funeral directors were highlighted as key issues at the recent Mpumalanga Funeral Association South Africa (MFASA) conference.
The 2nd annual conference took place on the August 9 and 10, 2024 at the Uhuru Game Lodge in Cullinan.
Members of MFASA expressed concerns regarding the delays, noting that they not only cause distress to mourning families who depend on punctual payouts for funeral costs, but also create obstacles for funeral service providers in navigating the complicated regulatory environment.
Dlambili Mayepa, President of MFASA and proprietor of Mayepa Funeral Association, stressed the significance of fostering collaborations with insurance entities to streamline operational processes. “This will guarantee that families receive the necessary financial assistance without undue delays,” he conveyed to the attendees.
Mayepa additionally stressed the necessity for a unified front to advocate for enhanced regulatory backing and the establishment of a governmental entity that comprehends and caters to the distinctive demands of the funeral sector.
The event, coinciding with Women’s Day, commemorated the bravery and resilience of women who have assumed leadership roles within the funeral industry.
Mayepa further acknowledged the pivotal role women play in the funeral sector, encouraging more female participation in the profession. “Enhanced support and resources are imperative in helping female entrepreneurs in the funeral domain to prosper,” he said.
Kidiboni Dikokwe, Divisional Executive at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA), provided invaluable insights into the licensing prerequisites and procedures as per the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) for funeral service providers.
Dikokwe also elucidated the stipulations of the FAIS Act, emphasizing the importance of adherence, which not only ensures lawful operations but also fosters trust with clients during their most challenging moments.
MFASA acknowledged the substantial influence these women have wielded, not solely within their enterprises but also in the communities they serve. A dedicated segment was allocated to narrating the triumphs of women who have surmounted obstacles to establish flourishing funeral service enterprises, serving as a source of inspiration and a rallying call for more women to contemplate careers in this sphere. The association reaffirmed its dedication to supporting women through mentoring initiatives, networking avenues, and access to resources that can aid them in overcoming barriers and reaching triumph. The Mpumalanga Funeral Association urges all stakeholders to sustain engagement and persist in collaborative efforts to tackle the hurdles confronting the industry, ensuring its enduring status as an essential and compassionate service for all South Africans.
