The Sunday News
Wilson Dakwa, Business Reporter
NYARADZO Funeral Assurance Company, a subsidiary of Nyaradzo Group, is in the process of sorting out necessary documentation that will allow the company to offer funeral assurance products at its new branch in South Africa.
Nyaradzo group corporate communications manager Ms Kudzai Mpunzwana said the Randburg Service Centre in Johannesburg, which opened recently was offering funeral services only. She said the branch which is yet to offer funeral assurance and insurance policies is part of the group’s long term thrust to reach out to all Zimbabweans for funeral services or expatriations.
“In November 2017, we commissioned a modern fully-equipped service centre in Randburg, Johannesburg. We started operations on 1 December 2017 and we chose South Africa as the maiden international project given the significant number of Zimbabweans living there and its proximity to Zimbabwe.
“At this early stage of the project, we are targeting Zimbabweans living in South Africa. Most of these people already have Nyaradzo funeral policies that they signed for in Zimbabwe. We are at an advanced stage of processing the necessary documentation that will enable us to offer our funeral assurance products in South Africa. This is in line with our strategy to offer a one-stop-shop which entails having assurance and funeral services under one roof,” said Ms Mpunzwana.
She added that the company was planning to expand into the region and international markets to cater for more Zimbabweans in the Diaspora.
“We are looking forward to establishing a permanent presence in a leading first world country by the end of this year. We have plans for expansion into the entire Sadc region before expanding into other countries across the globe,” said Ms Mpunzwana.
Nyaradzo, a wholly-owned Zimbabwean company opened its doors to the public on 1 March, 2001.
Locally, Nyaradzo has built massive capacity supported by an extensive branch network and modern assets.
Ms Mpunzwana said Nyaradzo has a footprint which covers more than 40 locations countrywide and plans to open branches in five regions by the end of year.
“In the past 12 months we have opened sales offices in Chegutu, Victoria Falls, Chipinge, Chivhu and a service centre in Chitungwiza. Before the end of this year, we will have a presence in Beitbridge, Mataga, Mvurwi, Kariba and Hauna. We plan to invest in more infrastructure and assets such as buses and hearses as we believe that it is important to constantly upgrade our fleet,” she said. -@WilsonDakwa1
