Browsing by Author "Moyana, Amos Mike"

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    Analysis of the role of government in the Regulation of the Burial Society Sector in South Africa.
    (University of the Western Cape, 2024) Moyana, Amos Mike
    Burial societies (BSs) in South Africa and beyond have a long history and are resilient institutions. This study investigated the role of the government in regulating the BS sector in South Africa. A document analysis approach was applied, and existing data on BSs were analysed. Burial societies emerge as voluntary social formations, often operating with minimal regulation and remaining in a state of informality, which limits the sector's growth. In response, the South African government introduced legislation to formalise and regulate the industry. This legislation aligned with formalisation theory, highlighting the state's efforts to bring BSs under formal regulation. These societies play a crucial role in saving money collectively and providing financial and emotional support to members and their families during bereavement, aligning them with the principles of social enterprise. Despite their contribution to the local economy and their structure as co-operatives, comprising members from various social classes and educational backgrounds, BSs are still largely excluded from local government development plans. The role of the South African government in the BS sector has been shaped by legislation such as the Friendly Societies Act 25 of 1956 and the Co-operatives Act 14 of 2005. The Friendly Societies Act 25 of 1956, Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act 37 of 2002 (FAIS Act), and Co-operatives Act 14 of 2005 form the sector's legislative framework. These laws guide the government's role in regulating BSs. This study used secondary data analysis to examine the impact of these laws and employed thematic analysis to identify key themes.