Losing a Chama member is devastating; losing the chair can cause turmoil and uncertainty. In many African communities, the lack of formal succession planning—such as wills—can leave families struggling over wealth distribution. Similarly, if a Chama’s bylaws do not clearly outline leadership transitions, an untimely death could lead to internal conflict and financial instability.

However, losing a chair does not mean the Chama must fall apart. Every Chama should have a well-structured constitution that ensures a smooth leadership transition. A bylaw is a formal document that governs how the group operates, ensuring all members remain aligned and prepared for unexpected events.

Steps to Take When a Chair Passes Away

To maintain stability, the management team should take the following steps:

1. Notify All Members – An official statement regarding the chair’s demise should be shared with all members promptly. This can be done efficiently through a Digichama account.
2.  Manage Ongoing Financial Transactions – Any existing transactions should continue running, but no new deposits or withdrawals should be made until a new chair is appointed. This prevents confusion and financial mismanagement. The Digichama platform provides transparency, allowing members to track financial movements and prevent unauthorized access.
3. Communicate with External Institutions – The Chama should notify all banks and legal entities linked to its accounts to ensure a smooth transition of leadership credentials.
4. Hold a Succession Meeting – A leadership transition meeting should be held to elect a new chair. Once decided, the current management team with admin access should update the leadership details in Digichama under Group Settings, ensuring a seamless transition.

The Role of Trust and Preparedness

Money matters are often private, but in a Chama, transparency is essential. Too often, individuals pass away without sharing access to bank accounts, leaving their families in financial distress. Similarly, Chamas that fail to prepare for leadership transitions may face dissolution due to avoidable delays and disputes. It is advisable for trusted management members to have access to external Chama accounts to prevent such setbacks.

The Importance of Bylaws in Leadership Transitions

A Chama should clearly outline leadership transition procedures in its bylaws and discuss them regularly. This ensures that decisions can be made quickly in the event of an untimely death or dispute, preventing delays in financial transactions that could impact the group’s welfare. Clear succession guidelines eliminate unnecessary debates and ensure the continued success of the Chama.