Naledi Funeral Planners is set for a fresh start following a court judgment resolving its leadership dispute and opening the way to access M75 million in funds and improve service delivery.
The company’s chairman, Thabiso Madiba, this week at a press conference described the judgment as a significant milestone and a positive turn in the right direction, saying it has opened doors for new opportunities and positioned the company to resume its development plans.
He said the conflict originated from an Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on January 16, 2026, during which two opposing groups emerged over whether the meeting had been properly concluded.
According to Madiba, one group walked out of the meeting, indicating that the proceedings had ended. However, the other group maintained that the meeting had not been properly dissolved and that it was therefore entitled to continue with the proceedings.
He said the court eventually ruled in favour of the three individuals who had remained at the AGM, confirming the validity of their appointment. It dismissed the application brought by the four members who had walked out, with costs, and granted the relief sought in the counter-application.
Consequently, the court recognised Thabiso Madiba, Khojane Madiba and Tŝolo Seutloali as the three duly elected directors with the authority to manage and oversee the company’s affairs.
The judgment, delivered on November 5, 2026, brought clarity to a leadership dispute that had left the company operating under considerable uncertainty for much of the year.
Madiba noted that the legal battle had significantly affected the company’s ability to make important decisions, implement development plans and improve its services.
He explained that the doubt surrounding the company’s genuine leadership had placed its operations at risk, as the directors’ authority to make decisions remained subject to the outcome of the court proceedings.
“Had the court ruled in favour of the applicants, decisions taken by the three directors could potentially have been overturned, further complicating the company’s management and operations.
“The situation also affected the company’s ability to update its management post records with the relevant authorities, including the One-Stop Business Facilitation Centre (OBFC), where changes in company leadership are formally recorded,” Madiba indicated.
He explained that the application to register the newly elected directors was held back pending the outcome of the court case. So, the previous directors continued to appear on the company’s official records.
This created challenges, particularly when Naledi Funeral Planners needed to do transactions or submit applications requiring proof of the company’s official representatives.
The same difficulties arose when the company attempted to change its authorised bank signatories. Banks required confirmation that the individuals looking to represent the company were officially recognised directors before allowing changes to be made.
Madiba said this had severely affected the company’s access to its finances.
He revealed the company had been unable to access funds held in various bank accounts throughout 2026, with the combined amount estimated at approximately M75 million.
“The funds were intended to support the company’s operations, finance development and improve service delivery. Instead, the company had to rely largely on monthly payments received from clients to sustain its operations.
“We could not even purchase a vehicle or build a mortuary, despite the need to do so,” Madiba noted.
He added that the company had effectively been operating with its hands tied, waiting for the judgment to provide clarity and allow it to move forward.
Madiba also pointed out that the company’s mortuary operations had expanded considerably, with growing demand placing pressure on existing facilities and storage capacity.
The company had received complaints about inadequate mortuary capacity in some areas, where a single mortuary could receive more than 100 bodies over a weekend, despite having refrigeration facilities with a capacity of only approximately 50 bodies.
This situation highlighted the urgent need to expand mortuary facilities and improve existing infrastructure to accommodate the growing demand.
However, the company had been unable to address these challenges because it could not access its funds to finance the necessary improvements.
Madiba said the court judgment now provided an opportunity for the company to regain control of its operations and finances, enabling it to invest in infrastructure, expand mortuary capacity and address concerns raised by customers.
He described the ruling as a major step towards restoring the company’s ability to operate effectively.
The immediate focus would be on investing in the business, addressing existing operational weaknesses and ensuring that services return to the high standards expected by customers.
Director of the Naledi Funeral Planners board, Khotso Nthontho said the judgment was important as it provided clarity on the governance and management of the company.
Nthontho said the ruling would allow Naledi to arrange an AGM, during which shareholders could provide further input on board arrangement and the company’s strategic direction.
“Importantly, it helps the company address reputational risk and restore confidence among our investors,” he noted.
He added that the lengthy leadership dispute had contributed to an erosion of trust among clients, making it important for the company to rebuild its reputation and regain the confidence of those it serves.
