BY MTHANDAZO NYONI OLD Mutual, one of Zimbabwe’s leading financial services groups, has launched a full-fledged funeral assurance service.
Three branches have already been launched in Harare and Bulawayo, while several others would be rolled out in the coming months, officials said during the launch on Friday.
Officials said Old Mutual’s plan was to provide a one-stop shop for financial services in the country.
The service was in response to customers’ call for tangible funeral services over and above the cash benefit that Old Mutual offers, officials said.
The Old Mutual package would include provision of water bowsers, a nationwide bus service and a family courtesy vehicle.
The country’s funeral assurance sector is well established, but the family courtesy vehicle is the first of its kind in the industry.
Old Mutual said when making funeral arrangements, the vehicle would be used by bereaved families for their logistical needs.
“At Old Mutual, we believe in being our customers’ lifetime partners right from when they start budgeting or investing up to celebrating life with a dignified send-off,” Old Mutual group chief executive Samuel Matsekete said.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
The good news, the company said, was that the new funeral service offering alleviated financial pressure and logistical burdens that customers were forced to endure at a very difficult time.
“Our experienced, professional and empathetic staff will ensure that every customer receives a personalised service to ease their burden,” said Rutendo Magorimbo, managing director of Old Mutual Life Assurance.
The company said a decent burial played an important role in the country’s culture.
“We launched the funeral service in three branches, two in Bulawayo and one in Harare and we are looking forward to launching three more branches before the end of the year,” Magorimbo said.
Old Mutual has its own funeral parlours and is available 24/7 to assist with the collection of the deceased to the parlour, repatriation from the diaspora, arranging with doctors to issue death notice, assist in getting a death certificate, and process funeral claim.”
- Follow us on Twitter @NewsDayZimbabwe
