Old Mutual Unveils Malawi's Largest Funeral Service Center in Lilongwe
LILONGWE, Malawi — Old Mutual Malawi has officially opened its state-of-the-art funeral service center in Area 47, Lilongwe, under its subsidiary Mthunzi Funeral Services, writes Martin Kamlaike.
The facility, inaugurated on Friday, July 5, 2024, is being touted as the largest and most well-equipped funeral service center in the country.
The new Mthunzi Funeral Service center boasts a spacious auditorium capable of accommodating 250 people, with an additional overflow area for 50 more, setting a new standard for funeral facilities in Malawi.
Onismas Karakadzai, General Manager of Mthunzi, emphasized the center's inclusive approach.
"This is a recent grammar centre for everyone. For the rich or poor," Karakadzai told AfricaBrief.
"Every religion, every tradition, every crit. This service centre is open to anyone who wants to give decent send-offs."
The facility aims to address a gap in the funeral service market, offering a dignified alternative to makeshift arrangements.
Services include body removal, mortuary storage, and a point of sale for coffins and caskets.
Esther Sagawa, Mayor of Lilongwe City Council and guest of honor at the opening ceremony, praised Old Mutual Malawi for the timely addition to the city's infrastructure.
She highlighted the high demand for professional funeral services and the center's potential to ease the burden on bereaved families.
Bernadette Mandoloma, Board Chair for Old Mutual group, pledged continued excellence in service delivery.
She noted that the new facility has created 11 new jobs, bringing Mthunzi's total employee count to 22.
In an eco-conscious move, Mthunzi Funeral Services offers a tree to each bereaved family, aiming to provide a living memorial while contributing to reforestation efforts.
Mthunzi Funeral Services, launched in 2020, now operates centers across all regions of Malawi, including Blantyre, Lilongwe, and Mzuzu.
This latest addition in Lilongwe marks a significant expansion of their services and reflects Old Mutual's commitment to meeting the evolving needs of Malawian communities.
The opening of this center represents a notable development in Malawi's funeral services sector, potentially setting new standards for the industry nationwide.