Chema, the way we have always done it. Now organised.
When a member or their nominee passes away, every member contributes within 72 hours. No crowd-funding pages, no waiting weeks in the morgue. A decent burial, paid for by the community, in the tradition of contributing Chema.
Pay as you go. Nothing is pooled, nothing is insured.
Members only pay when there is a bereavement. The association collects the contributions and pays the bereaved family.
Register
Complete the registration form, name your spouse and children as nominees, and pay the one-off joining fee. You receive a membership number (for example NI001) to use on every payment.
Contribute when a death is announced
When a member or nominee passes away, the Secretary notifies all members. Each member pays at least £50 to the association account within 72 hours, with a 14-day grace period for genuine difficulty.
The family receives Chema
On proof of death, identity and residence, the collected contributions are paid to the bereaved family towards funeral costs, whether the burial is in Ireland, the UK or Zimbabwe.
From crowd-funded funerals to a community that is ready
As Zimbabweans living in Northern Ireland, we have watched fellow countrymen spend far too long in the morgue while funds were raised on crowd-funding platforms. This association was formed so that, through small, nominal contributions from many members, a significant amount of Chema is ready in time of need.
The association also acts as an information point for members on matters of illness and death, and encourages members to attend funerals, giving spiritual and moral support in times of bereavement.
Adopted at the inaugural AGM, Willowfield Church, Belfast, 9 November 2024. Renamed from “Zim NI Funeral Association” to include members living in the Republic of Ireland.
Members
- Zimbabwean by birth or descent
- Aged 16 or over
- Ordinarily resident in Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland
- Of good repute and willing to associate with others socially
Nominees
- Your spouse and your children (biological or adoptive, including children of blended families, with proof of residence or relationship)
- No limit on the number of children
- A nominee may only be named on one registration form
Members who live “half and half” between Zimbabwe and Ireland or the UK remain covered as long as they keep up their contributions and annual fee.
Run by volunteers, elected by members
The Executive Board manages the association and meets quarterly. The Supervisory Board approves major decisions. Elections are held at the AGM each November or December.