By Neo Kolane
Mobile telecommunications company, Vodacom Lesotho and Alliance Insurance Company have partnered to launch a product called Mpate Sheleng Funeral Cover.
The new offering allows Vodacom Lesotho subscribers to apply for funeral insurance cover through their phones.
The cover is divided into two categories; for the holder and the holder together with their family.
The new service ensures that Vodacom Lesotho subscribers have access to multiple commercial products. They will also enjoy the comfort and assurance of funeral cover for moral and emotional stability.
Clients need to dial *135# and follow the instructions to apply for Mpate Sheleng Funeral Cover.
Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday this week to announce the launch of the new service, the acting managing executive at Vodacom Lesotho, Tṧepo Thabisi, said what stands out about the funeral cover is that one can make monthly or weekly payments.
Thabisi explained that Alliance Insurance will deal with claims while Vodacom Lesotho attends to clients’ problems through its call centre.
Vodacom Lesotho chief executive officer Mohale Ralebitso said Mpate Sheleng strives to honour the spirit of Basotho working together hence the partnership with Alliance Insurance.
Ralebitso noted that the company is working hard to ensure that a significant part of Basotho are included in the financial services sector through the internet.
“The premium payment mechanism of the new funeral cover is digitised because we do not want Basotho to stay behind other countries in this field,” he explained.
He further indicated that the product is convenient because Vodacom Lesotho subscribers can check their balance via the phone.
Speaking at the same occasion, the chief operating officer of Alliance Insurance, ‘Malengolo Sello, said individuals can get M10 000 cover for only M3.75 per week.
“We’ve deliberately made this product affordable so that no Mosotho finds themselves stuck during times of bereavement,” she said.
She added that Alliance Insurance is proud to have been a helping hand in coming up Mpate Sheleng Funeral Cover “especially because Vodacom Lesotho is one of the biggest companies in the country”.
“Vodacom Lesotho is leading the way when it comes to financial inclusion and we’re delighted to work with them on this product,” Sello said.