Heather Mpofu steers the derby and KPC shows to success
When the show secretary walked out mid-competition at the 2014 Easter Festival, most would have panicked. Heather Mpofu saw it as her moment to rise, and today she is the show director leading some of the country’s most prestigious equestrian events.
When Heather Mpofu walks through the gates of Kyalami Park Club (KPC), she does so not only as the show director but also as someone whose journey embodies resilience, determination, and passion.
Today, she leads one of the biggest equestrian stages in South Africa, but her path began with humble beginnings, steep challenges, and an unshakable will to succeed.
Mpofu recently graduated with a BCom Honours in Industrial and Organisational Psychology, adding to her Diploma in Accounting. She continues to juggle her career with motherhood. “I believe if there is a way to help someone, then I should do so,” she said. “I don’t believe in the word ‘cannot.’ I would rather try and fail than not try at all.”
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Her belief in perseverance stems from her own life experiences. She has faced hardships that could have easily broken her spirit, but she chose to fight for her future instead.
“I dislike it when people give up on themselves and turn to drugs or alcohol as solutions. I’ve been to hell and back, but I never stopped fighting to change my destiny.”
Mpofu’s journey at KPC began in 2012 when the organisation was still known as the Gauteng Horse Society.
She initially filled in temporarily as a receptionist, and four months later, she was hired permanently. Restless in her role, she eagerly took on extra responsibilities until a position as a junior show secretary became available, giving her a chance to prove herself.
Her turning point came during the 2014 Easter Festival when the show secretary resigned mid-event under pressure. Mpofu had two choices: step aside or step up.
She chose the latter. With almost no knowledge of showjumping rules, she relied on mentors and sheer determination to keep the event running. “I had zero knowledge of the system, but I wasn’t about to let the show collapse,” she recalled.
That trial by fire earned her recognition, and she was promoted to show jumping secretary.
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By 2018, she directed her first major event—the Easter Festival—which turned out to be a resounding success. Today, she is entrusted with directing all KPC shows, including this week’s Toyota South African Derby, running from October 1–5.
Mpofu’s responsibilities extend far beyond the arena. From liaising with sponsors and drawing up budgets to preparing timetables and managing schedules, her work begins months before a show and intensifies once the gates open.
During events, she oversees everything—from ensuring arenas run on time to handling last-minute crises.
“It’s a balancing act. I must find answers to all questions and solutions to all problems… But I also try to make the work enjoyable for myself and the team. Otherwise, the long hours become unbearable.”
One of her toughest challenges came during the Covid-19 lockdown when strict safety protocols prevented spectators from attending shows. For more about Heather Mpofu’s journey, read the Midrand Reporter.
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