ABSTRACT
This chapter examines iddir, an informal membership-based indigenous social innovation. It discusses how the iddir functions as a social enterprise, expanding its traditional funerary task, and how it interacts with the state in doing so. The conceptual framework of the study draws on the existing literature on social enterprises. A qualitative method is utilized, based on key-informant interviews, focus group discussions, literature reviews and field observations. The study reveals that the iddirs navigating the realm of social enterprises are those registered with the state; and that they are converting themselves into semi-formal institutions. The study further reveals, on the one hand, the tensions between the question of legitimacy and the preservation of cultural values, and the fear of co-optation and abuse of power on the other. These tensions are mediated by semi-formality. The chapter contributes to the conceptualization of semi-formal social enterprises. The question of functioning as a social enterprise while straddling the realms of civil society and the private sector, remains a challenge for iddirs. Thus, the study recommends that legislation is put in place to support and regulate social enterprises for iddirs to take advantage of.
