Membership
Empowering Funeral Practitioners Through Unity and Standards
Join NAFUPA SA to elevate your professional journey, ensuring compliance, support, and representation within South Africa’s funeral industry.
Why Join NAFUPA SA?
Becoming a member of the National Funeral Practitioners Association of South Africa offers access to essential resources, regulatory guidance, and a supportive network dedicated to uplifting the funeral industry. NAFUPA SA advocates for the rights of funeral practitioners, ensuring fair representation and professional growth opportunities. Our commitment to ethical standards, compliance, and community empowerment makes NAFUPA SA the premier association for funeral practitioners in South Africa.
Membership Benefits
- Regulatory Compliance: Access guidance to meet national health and safety standards.
- Professional Development: Participate in training and certification programs to enhance skills.
- Advocacy: Have your voice represented in policy discussions and industry advancements.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry peers, attend annual conferences, and join local and national meetings.
- Resources and Tools: Receive access to compliance templates, financial planning tools, and more.
Membership Application
Interested in joining NAFUPA SA? Connect with us to explore membership benefits, professional development opportunities, and the supportive community NAFUPA SA offers. Our membership application process is simple, and we are here to answer any questions you may have about joining the association.
NAFUPA SA—supporting funeral practitioners, uplifting the industry, and advocating for excellence. Join us today and become part of a respected, unified association dedicated to serving South Africa’s funeral industry with dignity and professionalism.
Membership Structure and Governance
National Executive Committee (NEC)
The National Executive Committee (NEC) serves as the highest governing body of NAFUPA SA, appointed for a three-year term. NEC members are responsible for overseeing the association’s projects, managing funds, and handling urgent matters between general meetings. NEC members may be re-elected after their term expires.
Powers and Responsibilities of the National Executive Committee
The NEC holds key responsibilities, including:
- Supervision of Projects: Overseeing projects that impact members and the industry.
- Fund Management: Responsible for administering NAFUPA SA’s funds in accordance with financial policies.
- Urgent Decision-Making: Addressing immediate organizational needs and reporting actions at the next General Meeting.
Professional Support Teams
- Medical Advisors: A team of certified doctors is available to address the medical needs related to the association’s operations, providing expert consultations as required.
- Legal Advisors: Lawyers assist with legal matters affecting the association, offering guidance on compliance, disputes, and regulatory matters.
Committees for Governance and Development
To ensure NAFUPA SA’s efficient operations and fair governance, the following committees have been established:
- Finance Committee: Comprised of three members, with the Treasurer serving as Chairperson, this committee oversees financial management, budgeting, and audits.
- Disciplinary Committee: Led by the Deputy Chairperson, this five-member committee handles disciplinary matters, ensuring that members adhere to the association’s code of conduct and professional standards.
Provincial, Regional, and Branch Committees
In addition to the National Executive Committee, NAFUPA SA operates through various local committees to foster grassroots involvement and provide regional support:
- Provincial Executive Committee: Governs at the provincial level, addressing specific regional needs.
- Regional Executive Committees: Active in regions across South Africa, these committees meet monthly to address local matters.
- Branch Committees: Localized branches focus on community engagement, member support, and regional development.
Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Conference
Annual General Meeting (AGM)
Held in August each year, the AGM is an essential gathering of all members in good standing. It serves as a platform to review the previous year’s activities, report on financial and operational matters, and set goals for the year ahead. Key purposes of the AGM include:
- Reviewing and approving reports from the previous year.
- Assessing the progress and impact of NAFUPA SA’s initiatives.
- Developing a strategic plan for the upcoming year.
- Ratifying decisions made by the National Executive Committee.
Conference
NAFUPA SA hosts a conference every three years in August, providing an extended platform for industry dialogue, strategy development, and organizational planning. During the conference, members also participate in the election of new NEC members if it is an elective conference. Conference objectives include:
- Reviewing annual reports and achievements.
- Setting strategic goals for the next three years.
- Ratifying constitutional changes and policy amendments.
- Electing NEC leadership when applicable.
Membership Engagement and Meetings
Meeting Frequency
- National and Provincial Executive Committees: Meet at least four times per year and no less than one month prior to the AGM or conference.
- Regional Executive Committees: Convene monthly, addressing regional issues and preparing reports for higher committees.
Meeting minutes are recorded and sent to members within seven days to ensure transparency and keep all members informed. Notices, agendas, and other documentation are shared at least fourteen days in advance, except in emergencies.
Voting and Quorum
All voting follows a structured process:
- Show of Hands: Voting at meetings is conducted by show of hands, except NEC elections, which are by secret ballot.
- Quorum: Requires a minimum of fifty percent plus one (50%+1) of members to conduct official business.
In the case of a tie, the presiding officer has a casting vote to resolve the outcome.
Membership Elections
NAFUPA SA follows a transparent, member-driven election process to appoint NEC members, which includes:
- Ballot Voting: Members vote by ballot for NEC positions, with open nominations to ensure fair representation.
- Tie-Breaking: In the event of a tie, the presiding officer casts a deciding vote.
- Validity of Votes: Spoilt ballot papers are not counted to maintain integrity in the election process.
Membership Terms and Termination
Termination of Membership
The Disciplinary Committee may terminate membership if a member:
- Fails to adhere to disciplinary committee decisions within 30 days.
- Engages in improper or scandalous conduct.
- No longer fulfills the membership criteria.
Members may also voluntarily terminate membership with a 30-day notice, provided all obligations to NAFUPA SA are met. Even after termination, ex-members remain responsible for any outstanding liabilities.
Expression of Member Views
All members in good standing have the right to submit comments, suggestions, or recommendations on the association’s operations. These submissions are directed to the Secretary, who ensures that appropriate action is taken.
Financial Accountability and Reporting
NAFUPA SA upholds rigorous financial management and transparency:
- Financial Records: The Executive Committee maintains detailed records of income and expenses, held at the head office.
- Annual Financial Reports: Audited financial statements and balance sheets are presented at the AGM.
- Auditors: Appointed annually by the AGM to ensure accountability and compliance with financial policies.