Seabata Mahao
In a bid to reach customers across Lesotho and to mark 25 years of service, Sentebale Gap Funeral Services has opened a new mortuary branch in Thaba-Tseka district.
The launch, which took place last week, is part of the company’s continued expansion since its founding in 1999 by Aliciah Motšoane and Pauline Taoana. Sentebale now operates seven mortuary branches across the country and employs over 500 people.
During a media briefing, Pauline Taoana, Co-Founder and Director of Sentebale Gap Funeral Services, reflected on the company’s humble beginnings. She explained that they started the mortuary business as a way to combat unemployment in Lesotho, using the few resources they had at the time.
“We realised there was a pressing need for mortuary services, and after securing a site in Mohale’s Hoek, we spent the whole year preparing for our launch. In 2000, we officially began operations with a small team of just five employees, including ourselves,” Taoana said.
She noted that their first mortuary consisted of just four small rooms, but the demand for services quickly grew. In 2001, Sentebale expanded and opened a second branch in Mafeteng.
“The community saw our dedication and expressed the need for our services in their district. However, one of our biggest challenges was the lack of transportation to collect the deceased from their homes,” she said.
“We often had to hire transport for burials, which led to mockery from some. Additionally, there were times when family members couldn’t identify the deceased, having not seen them in years, which caused complications.”
In 2003, Sentebale faced further challenges when they opened a branch in Morija, renting a site but struggling with cash flow while still paying three employees. By 2005, the company had acquired a mortuary in Teyateyaneng, Berea, expanding its reach in the northern region. This allowed Sentebale to continue its growth, eventually opening another branch in Sekamaneng, Berea.
“Our success in various districts confirmed the significant need for our services among Basotho. This is why we decided to establish a branch in Thaba-Tseka, and we’re pleased to announce that we plan to open another branch in Qacha’s Nek by late 2024 or early 2025,” Taoana said.
“Our goal is to ensure that every Mosotho receives a decent and dignified funeral, as expressed in our company motto.”
Taoana emphasised that providing dignified funerals for all Basotho is a key pillar of the company’s mission.
At the launch ceremony, Anthony Warner, an advisor to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Sentebale Gap Funeral, reaffirmed the company’s commitment to serving the community.
“We assure the people of Thaba-Tseka that they will receive the dignified funerals they deserve, and we hope these services will be available whenever needed. Sentebale has been recognised with the PMR Diamond Arrow Award for four consecutive years as the best provider of funeral services and insurance,” Warner said.
He added that this achievement is no coincidence, attributing the company’s success to a clear vision, a small but dedicated board of directors, and advanced ICT systems.
“While our competitors may be struggling, we are growing rapidly, driven by our commitment to service excellence.”
Warner also explained the distinction between funeral insurance and funeral services, noting that insurance provides financial support to the deceased’s family, while the funeral service covers the actual send-off.
