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Mr Makina
Business Reporter
The Zimbabwe Association of Funeral Assurers has a new affiliate organisation, the Funeral Services Association of Zimbabwe, which is a membership-based voluntary grouping of all funeral services companies.
According to Zafa administrator Mr Taka Svosve, Fusa is targeting companies that provide funeral services or products but do not underwrite funeral policies.
“These are companies that offer what we term ‘over the counter’ funeral services upon the death of a person. They offer services such as body removal, storage facilities or parlours, body washing, cremation services, burial equipment and services at cemetery as well as sale and manufacturing of coffins and caskets
“This was a section of our membership which felt that they were not fully represented in Zafa so we decided to come up with an affiliate association that will adequately address their needs,” he said.
He added that Fusa members will be drawn from companies that do not require licensing by the Insurance and Pensions Commission as is the case with funeral assurance companies but are registered companies who are fully licensed by the relevant authorities to carry out the business of funeral services.
“The objectives of this association is to provide a forum for networking and sharing of ideas on funeral services provision, to promote best practice in the industry through the adherence to industry code of conduct.
“The association advances the importance of the critical role played by the funeral service providers in economic and social development and to ensure that all members provide funeral services in a healthy environment as prescribed by the law and other regulations at all times,” he said.
Fusa, which is headed by Moonlight Funeral Assurers chief executive and Zafa’s immediate past president , Mr Chomi Makina, also provides learning platforms and opportunities for impacting knowledge and skills to funeral services players through arranging appropriate training for members.
Mr Svosve said that benefits of joining the new association include the opportunity to network and share valuable information on the funeral industry with other industry players, access opportunities negotiated by the association with the Government and other authorities on behalf of members.
“Other benefits include receiving regular market updates from the association’s offices in Harare and the opportunity to interface with Ipec for those with plans to become funeral assurers.
“There is also the chance for a member to be viewed by clients as a professionally run entity through membership of a professional association and an opportunity to gain both regional and international market,” said Fusa.
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