FIRA is an independent formation that seeks the participation of funeral industry role-players of all specialties in an all-inclusive Association for funeral and related services.
We, the members of FIRA (Funeral Industry Reformed Association), have united and established a non-racial and non-sexist association related to the South African Funeral and Financial Services Industry with the vision, mission and objectives that will drive our commitment to FREEDOM, FAIRNESS AND OPPORTUNITY for ALL and by doing that, FIRA as an independent formation will:
FIRA believes that a non-exploitative and democratic society depends on the unity of a variety of businesses operating within the funeral and financial services industry, need to add value to members, policyholders and the broader public. As an association we have united, enabling ourselves so that we can control our own destiny and take our historic role as a vanguard of our members and the public.
FIRA strives for a better controlled funeral and financial services industry in general, driven by business within the industry for the constant quest to provide development, education, enable job creation, training, transformation and the provision of better services to the public.
FIRA membership is open to all who are involved in the funeral, financial, insurance, supply and manufacturing services and the general public.
However, the list is not exhaustive, as membership is not limited to these areas, but includes the immediate disposition companies, memorial societies, and those who teach, train, research or offer advisory services in the various facets of the funeral and related services. In-house training aligned to current legislation applicable to the funeral industry.
The current developments that demonstrate government’s commitment to regulating the funeral services sector into a transformed industry, as seen in some of the spheres of our government, has resulted in the change of focus, amongst others from mobilizing government towards the same goal to the establishment of a non-racial, non-sexist and all-embracing reformed funeral industry association of all who trade in the funeral and related services.
FIRA, therefore, represents the product of a refocused strategic direction and dynamic activism that seek to benefit the funeral service providers and the consumers alike, and help redress the imbalances of the past through development programs.
Mobilization of government structures to regulate the funeral industry with the participation of the industry stakeholders
On a popular public television program called Modise Ka 9, after the national conference on the funeral industry on 02-03 November 2005, UFASA now FIRA obtained 87% public vote for its proposed role to develop and transform of the industry including the protection and participation of the public, highlighted the public need for the establishment of FIRA and its intended initiatives.
FIRA co-founder created a funeral facility which was promoted as a shining example of a funeral parlor, promoted on a SABC program called Cutting Edge whereby the founder of FIRA appeared and commented. FIRA is used as an independent source for the print and electronic media nationally and internationally.
The founding father of FIRA, through a close corporation called HAMBA NATHI Training & Consulting (now Johan Rousseau Consulting) was head-hunted by Gauteng, where after a close tender was awarded
by Gauteng Legislature in 2008 to develop the draft policy regulation that would lead to the gradual
regulation, development and transformation of Government mortuaries and the funeral industry in Gauteng
which includes training, skills development and to advise Gauteng legislature in having a sustainable
growth beyond 2024 in respect of the joint initiative
FIRA initiated a research report approved by the minister of justice that enabled the South African Law Reform Commission to institute research that would gradually lead to the reform and regulation of the funeral industry, including the protection of the public and the funeral industry value chain.
Drawing interests of specialists from related areas of speciality other than just only those involved in direct funeral services, thereby broadening the spectrum of knowledge in the field
Developed a proposed Draft FIRA Funeral Industry Code of Conduct as application for accreditation for industry Ombudsman in terms of the Consumer Protection Act 68 of 2008, published in the Government Gazette on the 2nd October 2016, by the National Consumer Commission;
The legislative platform for regulation of the funeral industry, was established with the objective to level the playing fields for all participants to participate (effective regulation will enable investment opportunities and job creation).
