By Tricia Nhlengethwa

The Mpumalanga Funeral Association South Africa (MFASA) marked a significant milestone with its 2nd Annual Conference, held on the 9th and 10th of August 2024 at the picturesque Uhuru Game Lodge in Cullinan. The event brought together key stakeholders and industry experts to address pressing challenges in the funeral industry and to celebrate the invaluable contributions of women within this sector.

Attendees were welcomed at noon on the first day, followed by a Gala Dinner, with the program continuing the next morning. Notably, government representatives, who were invited to the conference, did not attend, leaving certain issues unaddressed.

The conference opened with a powerful keynote address by Dlambili Maepa, President of the Mpumalanga Funeral Association and owner of Maepa Funeral Association. Maepa focused on the vital role women play in the funeral industry, urging more women to join the profession. He praised the women already making significant contributions, acknowledging the unique challenges they face, from societal expectations to the demanding nature of the work. Maepa called for greater support and resources to help women entrepreneurs in the funeral sector succeed.

Despite the absence of government representatives, the conference served as a platform to address significant challenges within the funeral industry. One major issue raised was the delay in insurance companies paying out claims, which often adds stress to grieving families who rely on timely payouts for funeral expenses. Maepa emphasized the importance of collaborating with insurance companies to develop more efficient processes, ensuring that families receive the financial support they need without unnecessary delays.

Another critical concern was the lack of a dedicated government department to look after the specific needs of funeral directors. The absence of government officials at the conference highlighted this gap. Funeral service providers often struggle to navigate the complex regulatory landscape, which can hinder their operations. Maepa underscored the need for a unified voice to advocate for better regulatory support and the establishment of a government body that understands and addresses the unique needs of the funeral industry.

An Important feature of the conference was a presentation by Kidibone Dikokwe, Divisional Executive of Conduct of Business Supervision at the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). Dikokwe provided crucial insights into the licensing requirements and processes under the Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act (FAIS) for funeral service providers. As these providers are increasingly recognized as financial service entities, her presentation was timely and informative. Dikokwe clarified the FAIS Act’s requirements, emphasizing the importance of compliance, which not only ensures legal operation but also builds trust with clients during their most difficult times.

Dikokwe also addressed common challenges funeral service providers face in meeting these requirements, offering practical advice on navigating the regulatory landscape. Her session was well-received, with many attendees gaining a clearer understanding of their obligations and the necessary steps to ensure full compliance.

In line with Women’s Day, the conference celebrated the courage and resilience of women who have taken on leadership roles in the funeral industry. The MFASA recognized the significant impact these women have had, not only in their businesses but also in the communities they serve. A special segment was dedicated to sharing the success stories of women who have defied the odds to build thriving funeral service businesses, serving as inspiration and a call to action for more women to consider careers in this field. The association reaffirmed its commitment to supporting women through mentorship programs, networking opportunities, and access to resources that can help them overcome barriers and achieve success.

The 2nd Annual Conference of the Mpumalanga Funeral Association was more than just a gathering; it was a pivotal moment for the industry. The event highlighted the need for continued dialogue and collaboration among all stakeholders to address the challenges facing the funeral sector. It also reinforced the association’s commitment to supporting women in the industry and ensuring that funeral service providers are equipped to meet regulatory requirements.

As the conference drew to a close, there was a renewed sense of purpose among attendees. The discussions and insights shared over the two days laid the foundation for future initiatives aimed at improving the industry and better serving the community. The MFASA expressed its gratitude to all who attended and contributed to the event’s success, with plans already underway for next year’s conference, which promises to build on the progress made this year.

The Mpumalanga Funeral Association encourages all stakeholders to remain engaged and to continue working together to address the challenges facing the industry, ensuring that it remains a vital and compassionate service for all South Africans.