This September, as we commemorate Heritage Month, I extend warm greetings to all SAFPA members and the communities we serve.

Heritage is the story of who we are, where we come from, and the values we carry into the future. As South Africans, we are blessed with a rich tapestry of cultures, traditions, and languages that remind us of our strength in diversity. As funeral practitioners, we carry a unique responsibility: to honour these traditions and ensure that families can say farewell to their loved ones with dignity, respect, and cultural sensitivity.

Our work is not only a profession; it is a calling that connects us deeply to our people’s heritage. Each ritual, each practice, and each farewell reflects the legacy of our ancestors and the hope of future generations.

This Heritage Month, let us be proud custodians of these traditions while embracing innovation that helps us grow as an industry. Let us celebrate our diversity as a source of unity and strength, and let us commit ourselves to building an association that uplifts and empowers every member.

May this Heritage Month be a reminder that our past, our present, and our future are bound together — and that, united, we can continue to grow and serve with excellence.

With respect and appreciation,
Dr. Nomfundo Mcoyi-Zondo
President
South African Funeral Practitioners Association (SAFPA)