Burial society operating across the country accused of being unhelpful

 

- 'We bury our loved ones in debt’

Grieving families say they feel stranded and humiliated as delays in payouts by Badiphitlho Burial Society continue, with some members waiting up to six months for funds, long after their loved ones are buried.

Many describe the experience as a nightmare during mourning, forced to borrow money or seek help elsewhere after being told there were no funds available, despite years of faithful contributions.

“I buried my sister using money I didn’t have. I had to take a quick loan and ask relatives for help.

They kept making excuses, first Covid-19, then nothing concrete. I only got the money months later,” said a 46-year-old member of the society for a decade.

The complaints paint a troubling picture of an organization meant to provide relief in times of loss but now accused of deepening people’s pain.

Several clients told The Midweek Sun that while the society quickly collects premiums, it is dismissive and slow when it comes to paying out claims.

“They told me they had too many claims and no money. But that’s not my fault—I’ve paid for over a decade.

You sit there crying, broke, and they tell you to wait. They rarely call to update you on when to check again,” a man from Palapye, who borrowed money to buy a cow for his father's burial, said.

An elderly man from Goodhope said he has since stopped paying. “They failed me during the most painful time of my life. I don’t trust them anymore,” he said.

The Midweek Sun sent a detailed questionnaire to Badiphitlho Burial Society, outlining clients' concerns.

Management acknowledged receipt but failed to respond. Multiple follow-up calls also went unanswered.

Without communication from the burial society, clients now question whether their money was ever safe.

“I wish I had saved my money elsewhere. I feel cheated,” said a 34-year-old man who was recently told they are still assisting clients from February. Badiphitlho Burial Society operates branches across Botswana, including Palapye, Goodhope, Gaborone, and Francistown.

WAITING FOR COMMENT FROM SOCIETY