Press release statement
Submitted by: The Department of Marketing & Communications
Via email: Hlophe@mut.ac.za
16 April 2023
MUT to honour funeral services baroness and founder of Icebolethu Group at graduation
Next week, Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) will honour one of South Africa’s innovative funeral services baroness and founder of Icebolethu Group.
The University will honour Nomfundo Mcoyi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Icebolethu Group, by dedicating the Faculty of Management Sciences graduation to her in recognition of her contribution to the fields of entrepreneurship and business management.
Professor Marcus Ramogale, Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of MUT, said Mcoyi’s had an inspirational story that he hoped graduates and students alike would learn from.
“Nomfundo Mcoyi transformed herself from being an educator to becoming one of the most respectable and innovative entrepreneurs. Her core business not only employs thousands, but it is also one that many run to when death strikes. Mcoyi is an excellent example of what we always remind our students about looking for opportunities to solve problems that our societies face,” said Ramogale.
Mcoyi started Icebolethu Funerals about 13 years ago and grew it into Icebolethu Group, which boasts over 130 branches in KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and the United Kingdom. She transformed what started off as a funeral parlour into a group of 10 companies.
She also established Icebolethu Academy, which contributes to skills development by providing training on various funeral services sector regulations and guidelines.
Her efforts in entrepreneurship and business management have earned her numerous accolades. These awards include Standard Bank KwaZulu Natal Top Brand (2022), Global Business Leader of the Year Award (2021), KwaZulu Natal Top Businesswomen Award (2019), Our Lioness Award (2018), Medium Business Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2018), Entrepreneur of Change “uphaphe legwalagwala” Award (2017), among others.
Mcoyi has been the Chairperson of the South African Funeral Practitioners Association since 2018.
She is also the Founder and Chairperson of Icebolethu Foundation which is geared towards improving the lives of people living in underprivileged communities, including building homes for families in need. She has personally mentored over 100 young girls through the Rhoda Girls’ initiative to empower women to be leaders in society.
Contact Bheki Hlophe at Hlophe@mut.ac.za for interviews.
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