Abaveleli Funeral Directors, founded in 1999 by the late Nocawe and Zanemvula Saul, provides burial services across South Africa. Now led by their daughter, Unathi Saul, the company has expanded to 13 branches, creating 125 jobs while honouring its legacy.
“I am proud to carry on my parents’ legacy. Their vision was to serve communities with dignity, and I remain committed to that mission while ensuring that our services evolve to meet the needs of today’s families,” she said.
The long-standing burial services company from Mthatha, in the Eastern Cape, has gone a step further by providing bursaries to six youngsters so they can study at Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges, thanks to financing from the Services Sector Education and Training Authority (SETA).
In 2022, the company received funding from Services SETA, allowing it to award six bursaries to deserving TVET students. Each student receives a R30 000 study bursary.
“We are grateful for the partnership with the Services SETA, which enables students to pursue their educational goals and gain valuable skills for their future careers,” said Saul.
In the same year, the business offered free burial services to victims of gender-based violence and femicide in Ezinqoleni, in southern KwaZulu-Natal, and provided food assistance to impoverished communities.
In 2024, Saul was one of the top-three contenders for South African Youth Awards’ Young Changemaker of the Year category, which was sponsored by the National Youth Development Agency.
“This recognition is not just a moment of personal achievement; it also reflects the hard work, passion and resilience that I have had the privilege of witnessing and contributing to in youth development, advocacy and service. It’s also a reminder that I am not alone on this journey because I have a team and loved ones who are behind me,” she said.
Abaveleli Funeral Directors is also an authorised financial services provider, offering funeral insurance policies underwritten by Safrican. These policies ensure financial support for families dealing with the death of a loved one.
For more information, contact Unathi Saul on:
082 554 5620 or 045 838 1441.
Email: admin@abavelelifunerals.co.za
Instagram: @abavelelifuneraldirectors
For more information about Services SETA in the Eastern Cape, call Xoli Bengeza on 087 283 2284
Email: Xolib@Serviceseta.org.za
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