Dignified Farewell for departed Civil Servants

CSAWUZ, Liberty Insurance Partner to Honour Civil Servants Even in Death

By Francis Maingaila

Lusaka, Zambia24, -- (November 3, 2025) — Liberty Insurance Zambia has entered into a partnership with the Civil Servants and Allied Workers Union of Zambia (CSAWUZ) to enhance the funeral benefit scheme for public service workers, ensuring dignified burials and financial security for their families.

Speaking during the signing ceremony in Lusaka, Liberty Insurance Managing Director Chilufya Ngoi Nyirenda said the partnership was initiated by CSAWUZ in response to persistent demands from members for a reliable and flexible funeral cover.

“Liberty Insurance did not approach the union — it was the union, acting on behalf of its members, that came to us,” Nyirenda said. “Our members have been crying out for a backup plan, and as leaders, we listened. In life, if you don’t have a backup plan, you are vulnerable. That is how this partnership was born — to liberate our members.”

Nyirenda explained that the partnership was designed to complement the existing government funeral scheme by offering more flexible and comprehensive benefits that respond directly to members’ real-life needs.

She said the Liberty Funeral Scheme will empower members with direct cash payouts rather than predetermined benefits, allowing families to make independent decisions on funeral arrangements.

“This scheme is different — it gives families the freedom to decide how best to handle their situation,” she said. “We believe that empowering families during their most difficult moments preserves dignity and reduces unnecessary stress.”

Nyirenda added that the new arrangement will also cover vulnerable dependents, including children above 18 who are still financially dependent on their parents.

“In most insurance plans, coverage ends when a child turns 18 or 21. But this scheme recognises that vulnerability does not end with age. We are here to ensure that every member’s family is protected,” she said.

She emphasised that the partnership was not just about financial support but about restoring respect and humanity in how public servants are treated even after death.

“Every worker deserves a dignified farewell,” Nyirenda said. “Through this partnership, Liberty Insurance and CSAWUZ are making that possible. We are not just providing cover — we are providing peace of mind.”

Nyirenda also thanked the union’s leadership for its commitment and for trusting Liberty Insurance to deliver on behalf of its members.

“We appreciate CSAWUZ for its boldness and determination to improve members’ welfare,” she said. “Today, we are not just signing an MoU — we are signing hope, security, and dignity for thousands of families.”

She further revealed that more than 30,000 members across the country are expected to benefit from the new arrangement, with immediate implementation following the signing ceremony.

Speaking during the same event, CSAWUZ President Joy Bene said the partnership marks a significant milestone in ensuring that civil servants receive the respect and dignity they deserve even in death.

“It gives me great pleasure to stand before you today to witness this historic moment. Our members have long demanded a dignified funeral scheme, and today we are responding to that call,” Bene said.

He explained that the union approached Liberty Insurance to help fill the gap left by the existing government funeral scheme, which he said, though well-intentioned, has not fully met the needs of members.

“For a long time, the issue of funeral support in the mainstream government service has been a nightmare. We’ve had cases where what was called a ‘standard coffin’ differed from one district to another, with some members being buried in undignified conditions,” Bene said.

He noted that under the 2016 government funeral scheme, members contributed 0.4 percent while the government contributed 0.6 percent, making a total of one percent. However, he said the benefits provided under that arrangement were still insufficient to meet the actual cost of burial.

“It was our members who instructed us to find a backup plan — something that could supplement the government scheme. That’s how we came up with this partnership with Liberty Insurance Zambia,” Bene explained.

He added that the Liberty scheme will give members direct cash benefits in the event of a death, allowing families the freedom to decide how best to use the funds.

“Unlike other schemes that dictate how the funds should be used, this one empowers members and their families. The money will be given directly to the family to meet their needs and maintain dignity,” he said.

Bene further disclosed that the Liberty scheme will extend coverage to vulnerable dependents, including children over 18 who are not yet independent or in school.

He expressed gratitude to Liberty Insurance Zambia for responding positively to the union’s request and for working closely with the union to design a scheme that truly meets members’ expectations.

“This partnership demonstrates that when we listen to our members and act on their needs, we can achieve meaningful results. From today going forward, Liberty has come to liberate us,” Bene said.

He urged union members across the country to take advantage of the new scheme, emphasizing that it was designed by the members themselves through their demands and resolutions.

Representatives from Liberty Insurance Zambia, CSAWUZ leadership, district and branch officials, and members of the media attended the ceremony.