Sasai money transfer introduces funeral cover for agents in South Africa
Sasai Money Transfer, a business of Cassava Technologies and a leading international money transfer operator, has launched an innovative funeral cover product designed specifically for its Money Transfer Agents in South Africa.
The insurance product (EcoSure) is offered in partnership with Econet Wireless Zimbabwe.
Through this offering, Sasai Money Transfer seeks to provide a financial safety net for its agents and their families while addressing the unique challenges faced by Zimbabweans in the diaspora during times of bereavement.
The funeral cover, which is directly linked to an agent performance on Sasai Money Transfer services, offers a significant cash benefit of up to $3,000 in the event of a covered agent’s death. Ultimately, this ensures that the families left behind are able to manage unforeseen funeral expenses without additional financial strain. This also helps protect other savings which are meant for other important needs, such as children’s education.
Shepherd Hondoyemoto, executive head for Sasai Money Transfer said: “This is in staying true to our group’s vision of not leaving no African behind. With this product, we are demonstrating that Money Transfer Business is about more than just sending money home. What we always seek to address are the day-to-day needs and challenges in the communities we serve and with this tailored funeral cover, we are empowering our loyal agents and giving them more value.”
Commenting on the initiative, Gift Noko, chief insurance officer at Econet Insurance said: “Our goal is not just about providing coverage but also preserving dignity. This funeral cover offers peace of mind, allowing Sasai agents to focus on their work while knowing their families are protected in unforeseen circumstances.”
With over three million Zimbabweans estimated to be living in South Africa, the reality of death in the diaspora cannot be denied, hence the need for suitable international funeral cover. For many, the emotional toll of losing a loved one in a foreign country is further compounded by the financial and logistical challenges of arranging cross-border repatriation and burial. Many breadwinners face the dual burden of managing daily expenses while preparing for emergencies.
John Ndlovu, an active Sasai Money Transfer agent based in Johannesburg, had this to say about the new product:
“This funeral cover is life-changing for us as Sasai Agents. I have seen the distress which comes with death in a foreign land when a friend of mine passed away last year and the family needed to repatriate him back to Zimbabwe for burial. They faced serious challenges trying to raise the required funds and it took them over two weeks to finally put together the required cash. It was not a good situation at all”
Francis Mukombewashe, echoed similar sentiments.
“I work long hours in various communities, often returning home late, and knowing my family won’t have to bear the financial and emotional burden of taking me home to Zimbabwe when the unfortunate happens provides me with incredible peace of mind. This cover by Sasai ensures peace, dignity and relief for the family. I would not want a pauper’s funeral”.
The Funeral Cover by Sasai Money Transfer follows its ground-breaking Zero Fees initiative, which was launched in May 2024 in partnership with Econet and EcoCash Zimbabwe.
Plans are also underway to expand the funeral cover to other Sasai Agents in South Africa who are serving other key markets such as Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, Kenya and Zambia.
Similarly, the product will be taken beyond South Africa to overseas countries such as the UK, US, and Australia, further demonstrating Sasai’s dedication to meeting the unique needs of the African diaspora.-ebinessweekl
