The Victoria Mxenge burial society was formed on 20 July 1998 under difficult circumstances. Mxenge’s burial society founder member Pat Matolengwe, told the clients that homelessness federations preceded their organisation.She said today the area exists because of their efforts.

“We arrived here from our shacks with nothing.There was no money allocated for our houses.So we decided to join the SA Homeless Federation.That was how this area came about,” she said.

But although residents finally had shelters, their plight was still far from over. “You cannot call an empty house a home. Houses need furniture.That was when we formed this burial society.” She said the death of Esther Yonze in February 1998 not only touched their hearts, it also made them realise that most people cannot afford funeral policies.They had to bury her as her family was destitute.She says now they are trying to link with formal burial institutions such as Old Mutual.

“We want to prove that formal and informal burial policies can work together.We also want to get rid of people’s perceptions pertaining to these institutions.”

She emphasised that transparency,trust and tolerance keep her organisation together. “Our powers rest with our general.It’s not just about the executive.Everyone gets involved in decision making.”

Elizabeth Mehune (72) a member since the inception, said a woman’s plight from the area who committed suicide by lying down with her three children on the railway line made her realise that everyone needs a funeral cover. “She had nothing. Government took care of her funeral,” she said.Mehune said Victoria Mxenge’s burial society took care of her daughter’s funeral in 2000. “A monthly premium of R72 made it possible.”

Another member Rose Maso said what she likes about them is that they consider even different surnames.And that saves time to determine a deceased’s relationship with the client. “Here you just submit the death certificate.You don’t have to explain how the deceased is related to you.That becomes a problem to married women as we no longer use our maiden names,” she said.

Victoria Mxenge today boasts 270 plus membership for a R150 joining fee.R72 monthly premiums.You get a funeral cover of R6 000 and R5 000 for your five beneficiaries.