Mcoyi leads charge in making travel accessible for South Africans

IN THE rich tapestry of entrepreneurship in South Africa, Nomfundo Mcoyi stands out not only for her business acumen but also for her dedication to community building.

- ALYSSIA BIRJALAL

As the founder and chief executive officer of Icebolethu Group, she has transformed an enterprise rooted in funeral services into a multi-faceted conglomerate with over 150 branches in South Africa and one in the UK, employing more than 2000 staff.

Mcoyi's journey began in the classroom, where she spent eight years as a school teacher before taking the plunge into the entrepreneurial world in 2009.

"I’ve never looked back," she shares, reflecting on the challenges she faced while establishing her business. Without any loans, she relied on her resourcefulness, selling bags, shoes and clothes to fund her ambitious plans.

"It is critical to have enough capital to start a business," she emphasises, advising up-and-coming entrepreneurs to consider financial support as a foundation for success.

With her roots firmly in the funeral sector, Mcoyi recognised a pressing need for travel solutions tied to her core services.

"At Icebolethu, we mainly do everything around funerals," she explains.

When the Covid-19 pandemic forced many travel agencies into turmoil, her company stepped up, facilitating repatriation and travel for families mourning their loved ones.