Page 3 - KZN Business Sense 7.7 ebook

‘BOSS-MOM’ CARING FOR THE

COMMUNITY

A Person of Excellence in her community. “My late
grandmother was a remarkable
woman and a great entrepreneur
omfundo Mcoyi is a for her time. She was fierce,
multi-skilled entrepreneur focused and determined,
Nand passionate and she ran my grandfather’s
community builder who is based business when I was a child. I
in KwaZulu-Natal. She has come always wanted to be like her. My
a long way from township girl to foundation was inspired by her
teacher, to founder and CEO of the and giving back to the community
Icebolethu Group. is my way of paying respect to the

While the core business of the example she set for me.”
Icebolethu Group is funerals, The advice that she would give
the various companies under to other people following in her
the Group’s umbrella include footsteps is not to do things for
funeral policies, memorial parks, money but to follow a career
tombstones, catering, and loans. because they love it and are good
Nomfundo is the chairperson of at it. She added that women must
the KZN South African Funeral also understand that will not
Practitioners Association and is a just get things because they are
shareholder at Scribante Labour women, but because they deserve
Consultants as well as Blacksuits. them and work hard.

When Nomfundo started her “You must just be excellent at
business, she had no financial what you do. Focus on your goals
resources, not even a loan, and your vison and don’t take
but she had a big dream. In shortcuts, they’re not the answer.
addition, she had no experience Work hard, be professional and
in the funeral business, and no Nomfundo Mcoyi at a book signing event for her cook book “Boardroom to the Kitchen with Nomfundo Mcoyi”. do things the right way, and for
mentor to guide her. Instead, the right reasons. Just be excellent;
she looked to her opposition – that’s the key.”
the major funeral companies. growth we have seen over the has been entering into the male pays their school fees. Nomfundo Finding a balance in life does
She said, “I never looked at the past years. My future goals are dominated funeral industry, is personally involved in the not come easy to Nomfundo.
small companies. I always knew to see Icebolethu grow globally, which has been tough. “I mentoring, and as she puts it, However, she says, “I do find
exactly what I wanted to achieve; including throughout Africa. We remember when I started, I was “We’re trying create fifty more time for family and friends,
I wanted to own a very big would like to have more partners on a committee where there were Nomfundos of the future; girls that’s very important. I love to
company, so I measured myself in offering our services.” 11 males, and I was the only who have the skills and the travel, usually with my family;
against the biggest and the best. Nomfundo says that the growth female. Everything I said I had confidence to go out and create it’s a great way to grow your
It’s been a long journey. It wasn’t of her business is motivated by to say twice. They did not believe businesses and employment knowledge, broaden your mind
easy and it took perseverance, creating jobs for people. When in me and said that I would fail. for others.” and see new opportunities.”
focus and determination. I’d the company started it consisted I decided not to listen to them Other projects include an
never even buried anyone – but I of five people, now Icebolethu and continue with my journey. agricultural programme where Nomfundo, who positions
did my research and focused on employs over 1500 people. “That I am a person of excellence and seedlings are provided for gardens herself as a cooking enthusiast,
my vision.” means that there are 1500 families continue to apply that excellence in different communities so that rather than a cooking expert,
has recently published a cook
Twelve years later the Icebolethu that get to have food at the end of in the business – look at where it people can grow their own food. book “Boardroom to the Kitchen
Group boasts over 120 branches the day because of the vision that is today.” The Foundation also builds houses with Nomfundo Mcoyi”. The
in KwaZulu-Natal, as well as a I had when I started Icebolethu. Nomfundo’s charity, the for the poor. The next project will book offers readers a behind-
branch in Johannesburg and That makes me very happy.” Icebolethu Foundation, is be the establishment of computer the-scenes look into her life as
one in London. Nomfundo She added that she would like particularly close to her heart. centres for the youth to access, a businesswoman and how the
said, “The brand is really doing to continue to create more jobs. The Foundation has several active which speaks to 4IR and the kitchen has been an integral part
so well in the funeral industry. “We cannot rely on government projects, but she is particularly digital world that we are moving of her family life. Filled with her
We’ve grown through hard work, and need to grow sustainable proud of the Rhoda Girls project. in to. personal antidotes and essays,
dedication, and passion and businesses that will support and The Foundation has ‘adopted’ Nomfundo relates how her this cookbook relates the story of
through having a very great team give back to all the communities.” 50 girls to mentor for a five-year grandmother was also a very her humble beginnings and how
that supports me and my entire One of the major challenges period. These girls attend courses giving woman, who went out Nomfundo turned her dream
vision. I am very grateful for the that Nomfundo has experienced and camps, and the Foundation of her way to care for people into reality. 

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