adminCharity Ruzvidzo Business Reporter
MOONLIGHT Funeral Parlour has opened two branches in Tsholotsho and Hwange districts as it spreads its wings to rural areas. The company’s regional manager, Chenayi Nyakupfukudza, told Business Chronicle the opening of new branches was meant to provide funeral services to the rural population. “Most people in the rural areas don’t have access to funeral cover and assurance. We opened these two branches last month as we seek to provide them with services on their doorsteps,” she said.
Nyakupfukudza said the response from clients in the two areas was overwhelming.
“Funeral services were seen as taboo in the past. The barrier is however being broken as the response we are getting is far from what we expected.
“In Hwange we already had a foundation as most people were our clients and we generally eased accessibility. They no longer have to come to Bulawayo to get services,” she added.
Nyakupfukudza said services offered in the rural areas were pegged at lower rates considering their income levels.
“Considerations were made on the level of income that people in the rural areas get. Our lowest funeral cover costs $3.50 per month something that is quite affordable.
“We also have a special “All in One” funeral cover that covers the surviving family for two months after death free of charge. Many times people are left stranded and we want to avoid that by creating stability at least for those two months,” he said.
Moonlight boasts of 42 branches countrywide and provides group funeral cover for churches, individuals and civil servants.
Nyakupfukudza said plans to open more branches in Lupane and Maphisa were underway.
Online Reporter