As people, we are social and relational beings. For this reason, life’s experiences are better and more meaningful when shared with those whose lives are closely linked to ours.
During the good times, it is fulfilling to share joy and celebrate with close friends. And when life hands us our fair share of difficult times, the heavy load becomes a bit more bearable with the support of those who care for us.
It is for this reason that Unity Social Club exists. The social club, which is based in Ekangala, Bronkhorstspruit, was established in 1996 through the will to unite and support a friend during a time of bereavement.
“One of our friends, Mr Mahlangu, happened to lose his aunt. We just organised as friends to go and bury Mr Mahlangu’s aunt in Richard’s Bay, KZN. After the funeral, we had a beach visit and enjoyed ourselves.
We contribute a monthly amount of R250, which started out as only R60 when the club was established. For the burial part of it, each member is allowed a maximum of 12 beneficiaries. When there’s a funeral, members are able to receive a payout
"While driving back home, we realised that we had a nice trip and contributed well for all expenses. So we said, why don’t we start something like a social club?” says Nkululeko Ngwane, who is one of the founding members.
A month later, a meeting was held and Unity Social Club was officially formed. Since then, the group of vibrant gentlemen has grown from strength to strength, offering support to members through good and bad times.
“We contribute a monthly amount of R250, which started out as only R60 when the club was established. For the burial part of it, each member is allowed a maximum of 12 beneficiaries. When there’s a funeral, members are able to receive a payout,” says Ngwane.
He said the payout range from R10,000 to R20,000. This payout goes towards funeral expenses and ensures that loved ones are buried with dignity.
However, the support from members goes far beyond times of bereavement, as members offer financial support during other social events including birthdays and cultural events.
Annually, 30% of the club’s funds go towards a closing and celebratory trip. Over the years, members have been able to travel together to memorable and breath-taking destinations throughout SA.
They’ve also had the opportunity to travel to other countries including Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique and eSwatini.
While initially established on a total of 14 members, Unity Social Club now has seven members. This is because some members left over the years and three members have unfortunately passed away.
Thus far, the club has seen a number of financial triumphs such as the opening of a separate savings account and the acquiring of shares.
They have also managed to purchase a tent, chairs, tables, laptops and other items necessary for social gatherings as property of the club.
Due to the number of years in existence, as well as the current value of the club, members have decided to restrict any further and new membership.
“If somebody has to join us then we might require an amount which is unrealistic. We checked up on the value and the assets accumulated. We decided, let’s just close this thing,” says the club's chairperson Ernest Masemola.
As the social club journeys towards 30 years of unity, the members look forward to continued brotherhood and growth.
On the horizon is a trip to Mauritius and the exploration of other financial opportunities such as investing in low-cost housing.
Taking Stok!
- Unity Social Club Established: 1996
- Members: 7
- Worth: Approximately R150,000 (investments aside)
- Successes: The social club has managed to purchase a tent, 50 chairs, 2 tables, laptops as well as other items needed for social gatherings;
- As a result of the social club, members have been able to travel together throughout most of SA, as well as to explore a few foreign countries; and
- With every death that has occurred within the social club (registered dependants included),
- Unity Social Club has never experienced any hassles in paying out.
- Pay-outs have always been made timeously and successfully.
Challenges:
- In former years, commitment from members was a challenge. As such, members decreased in number;
- and Travelling, which is a greatly loved and anticipated part of the social club, was badly affected as a result of the pandemic.
Red Flags (advice from January Riches on what to look out for when joining any stokvel or social club):
- There is danger in a weak and questionable constitution (or if a constitution is absent altogether).
- Every organisation, whether a stokvel or social club, should have a constitution that is watertight and has no loopholes;
- and Beware of lack of transparency.
- There should be a minimum of three signatories and there should be communication.
- The treasurer should ensure that a financial report takes place regularly.
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