INNOVATION, MARKET ACCESS & COMPLIANCE IN THE FUNERAL SECTOR
A Strategic Industry Event by Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC
The Funeral Services Industry is a pillar of South Africa’s social and economic landscape, supporting dignity, cultural continuity, and community wellbeing. As highlighted in the sector’s Market Access Strategy, the industry contributes significantly to national employment, enterprise development, logistics, manufacturing, insurance, and technology value chains.
With new opportunities emerging across procurement, regional trade, digital transformation, and localisation, this sector is poised to drive SME growth, job creation, and enhanced competitiveness through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Thursday, 11 December 2025
Time: 11h00 – 15h30 (SAST)
Location: Midrand, South Africa (Venue details provided after registration)
Attendance: By Invitation Only
Virtual Participation: Optional (QR Code Access)
EVENT PURPOSE
The Funeral Services Industry Market Access Event is the inaugural national platform designed to:
Expand procurement and supply chain visibility
Strengthen regulatory and compliance awareness
Promote digital innovation and technology adoption
Support SME integration into regional and continental value chains
Accelerate job creation and enterprise development
Enhance industry collaboration among associations, regulators, and private sector partners
This activation forms part of the broader Market Access Strategy developed by Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC, aimed at building a competitive, self-sustaining, and professionally coordinated sector.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
Regulatory & Compliance Frameworks
Market Access & Procurement Participation
Digital Transformation & ICT Integration
Localisation, Manufacturing & Industrial Opportunities
AfCFTA & Regional Trade Expansion
Enterprise Development for SMEs
Insurance, Financial Services & Burial Plan Models
Logistics, Fleet & Supply Chain Optimization
INDUSTRY PARTNERSHIPS
This activation is delivered in collaboration with key sector partners, including:
Law Society of South Africa
Arbitration Foundation of South Africa
South African Women Lawyers Association
South African Human Rights Commission
Key Note Speakers
Meet the visionary leaders and experts who are revolutionizing the funeral business through innovation, sustainability, and cutting-edge technology
Happiness Fosi
Executive, Projects & Promotions, Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC
Happiness Fosi is an Executive at Innovative Entrepreneurs, overseeing Projects and Promotions. She is passionate about sustainable economic growth, job creation, and strengthening South Africa’s participation in regional and global markets. Her work focuses on building strategic partnerships, expanding market access, and convening “Meeting of Minds” forums and country-focused seminars that promote trade, investment, and business-to-business collaboration. She also champions proudly South African products, with a strong focus on supporting women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Prischina Pillay
Corporate Direct and Special Sales, BMW South Africa
Prischina Pillay has over 23 years of experience in the motor industry, including 13 years with BMW South Africa. Her career has spanned key areas such as customer satisfaction, customer care, dealer training, CRM, sales funnel management, and marketing and events within BMW Financial Services. She currently leads the Corporate, Direct, and Special Sales channel at BMW SA, driving strategic growth and stakeholder engagement across priority markets.
Hlaleneni Dlepu
Managing Director, Molefu Dlepu Inc.
Ms. Matolo-Dlepu is the founder and executive director of Molefe Dlepu Incorporated and co-director of Basadi ba Molao. A respected legal leader, she was the first Chairperson of the Legal Practice Council and has served in senior roles in the Black Lawyers Association and the Law Society of South Africa. An admitted attorney, conveyancer, notary, mediator, and arbitrator with over 30 years’ experience, she serves on the Companies Tribunal and the Enforcement Committee of the Information Regulator. Her work has earned multiple honours, including the WOZA Lifetime Achievement Award and recognition among the 100 Influential Women in Law in Africa.
Arlene Wilson-Max
Director, Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC
Arlene Wilson-Max is Director of Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC, a strategic non-profit company promoting South Africa as a trade and investment destination and supporting market access for local products and services. With 25 years’ experience in business development, trade facilitation, and cross-sector collaboration, she has build her network across Africa, Europe, Asia and the UAE.
A passionate advocate for inclusive economic growth, she was recently honoured with the appointment to Africa Chapter Lead for the South Africa Chamber of Commerce UK.
Andre Fourie
Managing Director Skybound Industries
Andre Fourie is a seasoned executive and technopreneur who blends financial strategy with advanced innovation. As Managing Director of Skybound Industries (SKBI), he leads the commercialisation of complex technologies and structures funding for major infrastructure projects across Africa and the Middle East. With a strong background in commercial banking—previously at Wesbank and Rand Merchant Bank—and as the founder of successful fintech ventures including SwitchPay, Andre brings a unique mix of finance, technology and entrepreneurial leadership. He is also passionate about applying technology to wildlife conservation, reflecting his broader commitment to African-driven innovation. Guided by his motto, “From Africa for Africa,” Andre is focused on advancing growth through strategic partnerships and technology integration.
Jaroshen Naidoo
Executive HOD Digital Enablement, Vodacom Group
Jaroshen Naidoo is the Executive Head of Department for Digital Enablement, with over 11 years of experience in the ICT industry working with both SMEs and corporate clients to drive digital transformation and sustainable growth.
He holds a Master’s in Management, specializing in Digital Business, equipping him with a deep understanding of how technology can enable agility, scalability, and innovation within organizations. Jaroshen is deeply passionate about empowering small and medium enterprises (SMEs) – a sector he believes is the heartbeat of South Africa’s economy. He actively champions initiatives that help SMEs leverage digital tools and connectivity to unlock new opportunities, enhance competitiveness, and contribute meaningfully to economic growth.
His mission is to build a digitally inclusive future where businesses of all sizes can thrive in the evolving digital economy.
Lesego Moeti
Customer Success Consultant, Boitumelo Corporate IT Services
Lesego Moeti is a Customer Success Consultant at Boitumelo Corporate IT Services with over 15 years of experience in helping organisations move from manual processes to efficient, digital operations. Her expertise includes workflow optimisation, user training, SOP development, and translating operational challenges into practical tech solutions.
With first-hand experience working inside funeral parlours, she understands the sector’s daily pressures and compliance needs, allowing her to align real operational challenges with effective digital tools. Her background in Office Administration, Wealth Management, RE5, and Investment Management strengthens her understanding of governance and regulatory requirements.
Lesego is committed to enhancing accuracy, compliance and service delivery through smart IT systems that support modern, scalable funeral operations.
Sydney Landry Hammond
Specialist: Diplomat & Protection Sales, BMW SA
Sydney Landry Hammond is an experienced corporate and diplomatic sales professional with over eight years at BMW South Africa, specialising in Diplomatic, Protection Vehicle, and Corporate Sales. With a degree in Communication and Marketing, an Honours in Digital Media, and ongoing studies toward a Master of Commerce in Strategic Project Management Leadership, Sydney is also completing the GIBS Leadership Acceleration Programme. Previous experience at Nedbank, Old Mutual, SABC, and the University of California (US) contributes to a versatile and collaborative approach to developing strategic, innovative business opportunities across industries.
Speaker Presentations
Explore insightful presentations from industry leaders and thought pioneers sharing their expertise and innovative ideas
EXPECTED OUTCOMES
By participating in this event, attendees will gain:
✔ Improved access to procurement and value chain opportunities
✔ Strengthened industry cohesion and professionalisation
✔ Enhanced SME readiness and enterprise development pathways
✔ Increased digital efficiency and innovation adoption
✔ Greater regional competitiveness through AfCFTA
✔ Opportunities for trade, investment, and job creation
EVENT ENQUIRIES
Arlene Wilson-Max
Director, Innovative Entrepreneurs NPC
📱 +27 (0)79 108 0613
📧 arlene@innovative.org.za
Happiness Fosi
📱 061 845 2023
📧 projects@innovative.org.za
Video Gallery
Be part of South Africa’s first dedicated Funeral Services Industry Market Access Activation.
Spaces are limited and invitations are curated for industry leaders, associations, and strategic partners. Confirm your participation and receive venue & virtual link details.
