SINCE its inception in 1999, the South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA) has never had a female leader until its recent election of Icebolethu Group founder and chairperson, Dr Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo, in June.

Mcoyi-Zondo made history when she was elected as president of SAFPA in a highly-contested election on June 24 in Bloemfontein, paving the way for women to step to the forefront of the multi-billion rand male-dominated industry. In its 26 years of existence SAFPA has never had a president from KZN.

“I am not taking this role lightly.  We have seen all other provinces lead but not KZN,” she said. “For me to be given a chance to lead, and take this industry to greater heights, is really an honour. I’m grateful for the opportunity and want people to know that I did not get it because I am female, it is not a disability to be female. I am a woman of excellence, high standards and this is what I am bringing to this industry. This role of president is not about my gender but recognition for the work that I do.”

To celebrate this momentous occasion Mcoyi-Zondo hosted a ‘royal homecoming celebration’ at the Durban ICC which was attended by eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, Vivian and Sorisha Reddy, and recently appointed deputy minister of Higher Education, Nomusa Dube-Ncube among others.

As part of her 100 days in office Mcoyi-Zondo said she will be travelling to other provinces to determine what change, if any, is needed to navigate the industry.

“The aim is to create a working strategy for the next five years, and form a youth and women’s desk,” said Mcoyi-Zondo.

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“We need to know what each province needs. We also need a business desk that will look after compliance because we are in the finance sector which is highly regulated. Most importantly, we need funding to grow the industry and make the necessary changes which will bring about job creation and support for small business.”

During the colourful celebration at the Durban ICC, Mcoyi-Zondo was congratulated by her daughter Nyandisa Myandu who praised her mother for being an excellent role model. Her husband and well-known philanthropist, Dr Bahle Zondo, said it was an honour to be beside Mcoyi-Zondo as she stood for the highly-contested election “which was not easy”.

“The elections are over, now it is time for action. There are no enemies here, just members of SAFPA. Whether you voted for her or not, she is now your president. To all the provinces, let’s get behind the leadership. Mistakes will be made, she is not perfect, but they can be rectified. She will lead in earnest, a new SAFPA is coming,” said Zondo.

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