Society celebrates 77 years of existence
The burial society, founded in 1939 by Mabusela Ra-Sello family at Modderfontein, hosted its anniversary event at Difateng section in Tembisa.
With many burial societies having problems that sometimes go unresolved for a long time, the Mabusela Ra-Sello Burial Society celebrated its 77 years of existence on September 11.
The burial society, founded in 1939 by Mabusela Ra-Sello family at Modderfontein, hosted its anniversary event at Difateng section in Tembisa.
The former chairman of Mabusela Ra-Sello Burial Society, Mr Daniel Mashaba, said the society was formed after people who stayed in Gauteng but came from far away places had experienced difficulties in arranging funeral plans.
“In the old days, people had to ask for donations to be able to transport the person who died to their homes. It was very difficult because most of our people want to be buried back at home. This society filled a void,” said Mr Mashaba.
Mr Mashaba said the celebration was also part of their annual general meeting and financial report.
“We are pleased that the Mabusela Ra-Sello Burial Society has grown tremendously over the past few decades.
“Our society still stands strong. Members who stay around Gauteng and Tshwane, host monthly meetings at Seotlwana Primary School in Tembisa,” commented Mr Mashaba.
Mabusela Ra-Sello Burial Society was moved from Modderfontein to Tembisa due to members seeking land that they would own as a burial society.
“We struggled to get land and rotated from different sections in Tembisa until now when we are still renting at Seotlwana Primary School,” said Mr Mashaba.
The current chairperson, Mr Matthews Sethoga, said they are accountable to bury each other as members.
“We do not just pay monthly fees and stand aside, we attend funerals. Members who fail to attend are fined. We are a family not only a burial society,” explained Mr Sethoga.
“Forming the society resolved so many challenges such as embarrassment, lack of finance and prevented having to bury our brothers and sisters at places where it was never their wish,” said Mr Sethoga.
After the annual general meeting, members of Mabusela Ra-Sello Burial Society celebrated the 77 years of existence dancing to music and enjoying lunch.
