A look inside the SAFPA Women’s Conference 2026

The South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA) recently hosted a Women’s Conference over 2 days at the Thaba Eco Hotel & Spa in the South of Johannesburg. Led by the organisation’s president, Dr Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo the conference brought together stakeholders, women in the funeral parlour industry as well as women across industries.

This emphasis on holistic wellness and legacy aligns with the shifting narrative of South African women. According to the Her and Now: Insights into the Women of South Africa 2026 report, there is a growing “quiet revolution” as women move away from the expectation of endless strength to demand genuine peace, safety, and recognition. The SAFPA Women’s Conference serves as a vital platform for this shift, moving beyond mere networking to provide actionable strategies for mental resilience and financial empowerment.

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Dr Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo on Leadership, Legacy and Real Impact

The topics covered ranged from mental health, financial wellness, entrepreneurship and brand building. Legacy was a recurring theme as various speakers unpacked their perspectives on legacy and generational wealth. The overarching theme was being intentional about grooming future leaders in a way that will allow for continuity.

The Lazy Makoti also took to the stage to share her insights.

The conference offered different touch points across lifestyle pillars, including a surprise performance by Vusi Nova. The ladies were on their feet as he owned the room with his powerful voice. Mogau Seshoene, affectionately known as ‘The Lazy Makoti,’ later took the podium to share insights into her entrepreneurial journey.

We caught up with the SAFPA President and host of the event, Dr. Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondi to get more insights into the event and the creative process behind it. “It’s important to have spaces that bring industry women together, as well as women across industries. It’s significant to be hosting this conference during Women’s Month, but let’s remember that we are women beyond Women’s Month.”

She affirms that it was also necessary to incorporate topics around mental health and financial literacy because everything flows from self-love. “And if you love yourself, you’ll ensure that you take care of every facet of your life, including your legacy. Do you have a will, for instance?
Are you saving for retirement? And should anything happen to you, or if like me, you want to retire early, will your children know what to do? Are you equipping them to be future leaders who will carry your legacy forward?” With this in mind, what’s her message to the GLAMOUR women?
“Life is about balance. Be glamorous, but also prioritise the things that matter, like a funeral policy.
You don’t want your family to scramble when you’re no longer here. Let’s also normalise having uncomfortable conversations about death and sexual health because every aspect of your life is interlinked.” She asserts that when your financial health is taken care of, you can show up better in spaces, and when you practice self-care, there’s more of you to go around.

The Lazy Makoti alongside Dr Nomfundo Mqoyi

Women left feeling full, connected and empowered, reminders that community, when done right, can be just as restorative as any spa day. Beyond the conversations and performances, the conference reinforced a simple truth: women in the funeral industry, like women everywhere, are multidimensional. They are entrepreneurs, caregivers, leaders and dreamers, all while carrying the weight of an industry that deals daily with grief and loss. Events like the SAFPA Women's Conference matter because they create room to pause, reflect and pour back into themselves, proving that softness and strength were never mutually exclusive, and that legacy isn't just about what we leave behind, but how intentionally we live while we're here.