About Us

A family's promise, formalised.

From a community burial society to a licensed financial services provider — the same care, with a stronger foundation underneath it.

Our History

Where it began

Madadeni Undertaking Association (MUA) was formally registered as a company on 30 May 2022, but its roots go back much further. It began as Madadeni Funeral Association, a burial society founded by the late Steven Cornelius Thela, who set out to give his community real support in their hardest moments — not just a policy, but people who show up.

Before his passing in 2023, he began the work of rebuilding the association into what it is today: a formally regulated undertaking association working towards its own Financial Service Provider (FSP) licence, so the community he served for so long could be protected by more than just goodwill.

His legacy now lives on through his three daughters, Ntokozo, Xoli and Zamo, who continue the work he started.

A service arranged by Madadeni Undertaking Association

Vision

Where we're headed

To become the leading provider of affordable and dignified funeral cover in Newcastle and surrounding communities — known for compassionate service and reliable claims payment.

Mission

How we get there

To give low-income workers and their families accessible funeral cover, backed by transparent processes, fair treatment, and professional burial services through our subsidiary, Zamatima Funeral Services.

Leadership

The people carrying it forward

MUA is directed by the Thela family, alongside a team of around 15 people handling policies, claims and burial services day to day.

Ntokozo Thela

Director

Zamo Nonyane