Founder and CEO of Icebolethu Group, Nomfundo Nokubonga Mcoyi, boasts an impressive resumé. Her approach to entrepreneurship positions her as a trailblazer, fearlessly occupying space in different industries.
Nomfundo Nokubonga Mcoyi’s name is synonymous with excellence, having built a formidable brand from the ground up. As a published author, her journey from the boardroom to the kitchen – as documented in her cookbook, Boardroom to the Kitchen – is quite fascinating. Speaking to how her passion for food influenced her approach to business and leadership, she says, “It’s been a delightful exploration of creativity, flavours, and culture. My passion for food has deeply influenced my approach to business and leadership, teaching me valuable lessons in innovation, attention to detail, and the importance of nurturing relationships.”
She notes that just like entrepreneurship, cooking requires adaptability and a willingness to experiment. “It has taught me to embrace diversity, celebrate collaboration, and always strive for excellence in every endeavour. Some of the dishes in my book have been influenced by my international experience while travelling to different countries and engaging different cultures.”
Her remarkable work ethic has earned her numerous accolades, including an honorary doctorate from Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT). “This was a deeply humbling and gratifying experience for me. It represents not only a recognition of my professional achievements, but also a validation of the values and principles that guide my work. This honour has had a profound impact on my professional journey, serving as a source of inspiration and motivation to continue striving for excellence in all aspects of my life.”
Nokubonga asserts that it has also reinforced her commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others, giving her a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. She occupies space as an entrepreneur, philanthropist and leader in various associations and committees; I’m curious about how she navigates her roles so seamlessly. “It’s a constant juggling act, but one that I approach with dedication and passion. I prioritise effective time management, delegation, and surrounding myself with a strong support network. Each role fulfils a unique aspect of my purpose, driving me to make a meaningful impact in both business and society. I take both my work at Icebolethu and other roles very seriously, and it takes intentional planning for me to always show up and honour each role.”
Expanding on her role as founder and CEO, she says, “the inspiration behind establishing the Icebolethu Foundation stemmed from a deep-seated desire to give back to the communities that have supported Icebolethu throughout its journey. Witnessing the challenges faced by many individuals and families, I felt compelled to create an organisation that could make a meaningful difference in their lives.” She reveals further that Icebolethu Foundation serves as a vehicle for social impact, focusing on initiatives that promote education, sport, economic empowerment and caring for the elderly. “From building houses, buying water tanks for the farmers and sponsoring canoeing tournaments, to giving kids school essentials, starting gardens for communities, and raising partners and building and nurturing the next generation of female leaders through Rhoda Girls providing scholarships and mentorship programmes, the Foundation has had a profound impact on the communities it serves.”
She affirms that through the team’s collective efforts, they strive to uplift and empower individuals, creating opportunities for them to thrive and contribute positively to society. “The elderly people were among the first people to believe in my vision, and support Icebolethu to this day. Icebolethu Foundation has programmes geared towards caring for them – they are one of the pillars of Icebolethu Group.”
As an entrepreneur with a global perspective, Nokubonga shares that she’s had the privilege of experiencing diverse cultures, ideas and business practices through her international travels and engagements. “At Icebolethu Group, we recognise the value of incorporating global insights and best practices into our operations and strategies. We leverage these experiences to stay ahead of industry trends, adapt to evolving market dynamics, and enhance the quality of our services.”
She affirms that embracing innovation and continuous learning ensures that Icebolethu remains at the forefront of the industry s well as delivering exceptional value to clients and communities. “One of my favourite things to do to stay ahead is attending international exhibitions and conferences – that’s where I get inspiration, which influences how we do things at Icebolethu. This year I have attended two international conferences in our industry; one in Europe – Italy, in March – and another one in Asia: Hong Kong, in May.”
This approach has earned The Icebolethu Group recognition for its customer excellence and rapid growth. Elaborating on this remarkable feat, she says their success can be attributed to several key strategies. “Firstly, we prioritise a customer- centric approach in everything we do, ensuring that our services meet and exceed the expectations of our clients. By consistently delivering high-quality, compassionate care, we have built strong relationships and earned the trust of the communities we serve. Additionally, we embrace innovation and technology to streamline our operations and enhance efficiency, allowing us to scale our business effectively while maintaining service excellence.”
Their shared commitment to continuous improvement is what drives them to adapt to changing market dynamics, anticipate customer needs, and innovate their service offerings accordingly. “Overall, it is our unwavering dedication to excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction that has propelled Icebolethu Group to its remarkable success.” Reflecting on the group’s success, she says, “One of our best innovations to date was transforming a funeral parlour into a lifestyle brand and developing iSave Rewards, which gives our clients added value while they are still alive through discounts on clothes, travelling, groceries, fast food, entertainment and education.”
In light of Women’s Month, and given her accolades, what advice would Nokubonga offer to aspiring female entrepreneurs looking to make their mark in traditionally male-dominated industries? “As a female entrepreneur navigating traditionally male-dominated industries, my advice to aspiring women is to embrace your uniqueness and leverage it as a strength. Be fearless in pursuing your goals and unapologetic about demanding the respect and recognition you deserve. Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, allies and peers who can offer guidance and encouragement along the way.”
Aware of the magnitude of this feat, she affirms that every challenge is an opportunity for growth, and resilience is key to overcoming obstacles. “Most importantly, stay true to yourself, your values and your vision; and never underestimate the power of perseverance and determination in achieving success. Do not want to be acknowledged just for being a woman, but let your work represent you and what you stand for!
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