Harare, August 25, 2025 — The United African National Council (UANC), led by President Percy Chigodora, has called on the Zimbabwean government to intervene in mounting burial costs, especially at private and council-run cemeteries across the country.
“Have you ever checked how expensive it is to bury our loved ones?” questioned Chigodora in a strongly worded statement delivered today. “Losing one of us should be considered a loss to all—yet the cost of securing a decent, affordable send‑off has become extortionate.”
He specifically flagged Zororo Memorial Park, pointing out that its pricing is seriously out of reach for many families. “At Zororo Cemetery, the cheapest grave is US $540, while the so‑called ‘executive’ section can cost as much as US $3,000,” he said—calling the pricing “pure extortion”.
These figures align with reported rates at Zororo in 2023, where Section B starts at US $540, Section A at US $680, Sunset at US $1,600, and Executive at US $3,000, inclusive of tombstone services.
Chigodora further highlighted that funeral costs across Zimbabwe have spiraled out of control. “Families earning as little as US $150 per month are now forced to pay over US $4,000 for a decent burial,” he noted.
Chigodora criticized the government for a lack of regulation and urged for policymaking to address the issue across both private and council operations. “As a party that once ran this government and built low‑cost housing for citizens, we find this unconscionable,” he said. “People are heartlessly cashing in on already burdened families.”
In support, community distress over price surges has been documented. In Gweru, for example, the City Council has proposed doubling burial fees to US $100 for weekday services and up to US $200 on weekends.
Chigodora emphasized rural families are not spared either—many being forced to barter livestock for burial services, compounding the hardship.
“Losing a loved one shouldn’t mean financial ruin,”…“We urge legislators in Parliament to act on this immediately” he said.