From navigating a male-dominated industry to serving as President of SAFPA, Dr Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo is championing financial wellness, succession planning, and women's empowerment.
When women gather with intention, the impact resonates far beyond the room. The SAFPA Women’s Conference 2026 was curated not merely as an industry gathering, but as a transformative platform designed to unify, empower, and uplift women across sectors. Central to this vision is creating a dedicated sanctuary where leaders can address their unique challenges, prioritise holistic well-being, and drive sustainable professional growth.
"In an event like this, our leadership planned to bring women together in one room where they can connect, discuss their challenges, and talk about everything surrounding our businesses and industry to create a safe space," explains Dr Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo. "We also discuss mental health because it's critical. If you are not mentally well, you cannot direct a business, so creating these opportunities for women to learn and grow is essential."
Dr Mcoyi-Zondo’s own trajectory is a testament to resilience and vision. As a pioneer in a historically male-dominated field, her early career was marked by steep hurdles. "When I started in this industry, there were very few women. Most had inherited their businesses, and very few built them from scratch," she recalls. "I recall serving on a committee where I was the only female alongside nine men. In meetings, they would speak as if I weren't in the room and only call on me as a Chaplain to open in prayer, as that was the role they envisioned for women."
Today, that dynamic has been radically reshaped. Serving as President of SAFPA, Dr Mcoyi-Zondo leads an industry in the midst of profound evolution. "Look at the transformation today. I serve as President now because the industry has transformed. Compared to when I joined 16 years ago, it is completely different," she notes, emphasising the power of national networking and collective bargaining to strengthen female entrepreneurs across the country.
A core pillar of her message centers on financial wellness, robust estate management, and deliberate succession planning. Beyond immediate commercial success, she urges entrepreneurs to construct foundations that endure across generations.
"In our industry, when many business owners pass away, their businesses die with them. That is why it's crucial to teach women about succession planning now," Dr Mcoyi-Zondo stresses. "We must ask: What will happen to the business when you're gone? We need to plan for that today... Legacy is key, and our focus must extend beyond today."
This forward-thinking mindset extends to elevating the standards of the profession itself. Reframing the narrative from a "death industry" to an "end-of-life industry," Dr Mcoyi-Zondo draws inspiration from global benchmarks to advocate for greater dignity, formal education, and institutional respect in South Africa.
"During a visit to Japan last year, I learned the term 'end-of-life industry' rather than 'death industry'. We are in the business of celebrating life," she reflects. "As funeral directors, we ensure that individuals receive a dignified send-off... We must instill that same level of professionalism and respect in South Africa."
Ultimately, Dr Mcoyi-Zondo's philosophy ties leadership directly to self-worth, personal branding, and intentional living. By encouraging women to anchor themselves in confidence and holistic wellness, she offers a powerful blueprint for sustainable success.
"Before you can lead anything, you must lead yourself," she advises. "If I had to share one major takeaway, it is to love yourself before anything else. Self-confidence enables you to build and lead a thriving brand... Live fully, but plan intentionally. Ensure your retirement and estate planning are secured so that your legacy is one of strength and dignity."
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