THEY might have gone but not forgotten.
Hence the initials MR21- that refers to the names of the late Matshidiso and Ruth, mothers to both Aluwani Tshifhango and Praise Ragimana.
The duo are the founders of the newly launched and innovative MR21 Funerals & Insurance, whose offices were unveiled in the village of Tshikhudini Village- Thohoyandou, in the Vhembe District, amid the fanfare.
Attended by dignitaries from all walks of life in SA, and outside the borders, MR21 Funerals & Insurance boast state of the art facility such as mortuary and showroom, launched to the public on December 4 2025.
Founder and Director Tshifhango proudly welcomed guests into the grand facility, as locals jostled for attention, accompanied by alluring whistles and dancing that signified the occasion.
During his speech, Tshifhango shared a humorous moment that left guests in stitches, when he alluded that when he first approached his business partner Ragimana, about venturing into the funeral industry, Ragimana uttered with tongue-in -cheek “I have no interest in dealing with dead people”.
The lighthearted story became one of the defining moments of the ceremony.
Although Ragimana did not attend the official ribbon-cutting earlier in the day, he later joined the celebratory dinner.
“Aluwani is a good businessman who runs a solid operation, driven by discipline, integrity, and a clear vision,” said the thrilled Ragimana.
“He manages several successful ventures, including his well-established Riverview business, and he has a very supportive wife who walks this journey with him. He’s going places—that I can confidently say.”
He also clarified his family’s position in the business.
“As the Ragimana family, we are not involved at all. We are very happy and fully comfortable with Aluwani running the business,” he pointed out.
“I prefer that all enquiries—media or otherwise—go directly to him. This is his baby, his vision, and he is the one entrusted to lead it.”
Aluwani explained that the business was named in honour of his and Ragimana’s late mothers, Matshidiso and Ruth, both of whom passed away in 2021.
Their initials, M and R, combined with the year 21, gave birth to the name MR21—a lasting tribute built into the company’s identity.
Industry heavyweights, including representatives from some of the biggest funeral parlours in SA, alongside government officials, church leaders, business personalities and community members, graced the launch.
Among the dignitaries were LEDET MEC Tshitereke Matibe, SAFPA leadership, the Twins Funeral brothers, Bvumbi of Thabelo Embassy, Councillor Rambuda AS, the Thulamela Mayor, and Dr. RR Kharive of The Living Gospel Mission and wife, affectionately introduced as “the first lady of the event”.
The opening of MR21’s new headquarters has been hailed as a transformative step for funeral services in the region.
With major funeral industry leaders present and the community showing immense support, the launch reaffirmed confidence in local entrepreneurship and innovation.
With its sophisticated new facility now operational, MR21 Funerals & Insurance is strongly positioned to grow into one of South Africa’s leading funeral service providers, driven by purpose and strengthened by the legacy that inspired its name.
This foundation of legacy and memory continues to shape MR21’s mission to serve families with dignity!
The funeral and insurance sector contributes billions into the GDP of the country, and likely to overshadow mining and stokvel industries, albeit no substantial figures were confirmed at the time of publishing.
Top image supplied (Dignitaries cutting-ribbon at the newly launched MR21 Funerals & Insurance head office, Thohoyandou- Limpopo this week).
