Women’s Day is often a time to celebrate achievements, but this year’s Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) Women’s Day event encouraged delegates to do something even more powerful, invest in themselves.
MC, Nonhlanhla Nxele, CFP®, Founder and CEO of Esteemed Financial Solutions and Widows Rising and FPI Board member, guided delegates through a programme of inspiring conversations centred on health, leadership, financial wellbeing, grief and resilience.
Through deeply personal stories, practical advice and honest conversations, speakers challenged women to prioritise their health, build meaningful careers, strengthen their financial futures and embrace their own leadership journeys.
The event opened on an emotional note with Nicole Fuller, PinkDrive Ambassador, Oncology Patient Navigator (OPN-CG), breast cancer survivor and former South African athlete and Ntokozo Dludla, cancer survivor, health advocate and co-host of PinkDrive’s Healing Mic podcast, sharing their personal experiences with breast cancer.
For Fuller, a breast cancer diagnosis in 2017 changed the direction of her life. What began as one of the most frightening moments she had ever experienced became a journey of purpose. Following her recovery, she trained as an Oncology Patient Navigator, helping other patients navigate the challenges of diagnosis, treatment and recovery.
Dludla’s journey began 18 years ago after her 11-year-old daughter, who had learnt about breast self-examinations at school, encouraged her to have a lump checked. Although she was initially reassured that it was nothing serious, further tests confirmed breast cancer. Together, they reminded delegates that early detection saves lives.
The pair also highlighted the important work PinkDrive is doing to improve access to healthcare through its mobile screening units, which provide breast examinations, mammograms, ultrasounds and patient support to communities across South Africa. Their message was clear: know your body, perform regular self-examinations, attend recommended screenings and don’t ignore changes. They also encouraged women to make use of cervical cancer screenings and HPV vaccinations, while reminding delegates that maintaining a healthy lifestyle remains one of the best investments in long-term health.
Leadership took centre stage as Olwethu Masanabo, CFP®, Chief Operating Officer at BDO South Africa and Chairperson of FPI, encouraged women to move beyond simply earning a seat at the table.
She challenged delegates to intentionally build influence by being authentic, visible and consistent, while communicating with purpose. Leadership, she said, is also about creating opportunities for others, sharing knowledge across generations and lifting those who follow. Her closing message encouraged women to “build influence, share power and create a legacy.”
The day’s conversations on resilience became deeply personal when Lelané Bezuidenhout, CFP®, Chief Executive Officer of FPI, shared her own breast cancer journey following her diagnosis in December 2025. Speaking candidly about surgery, recovery and the unwavering support of her husband, colleagues and faith, she reminded delegates that life can change in an instant, making health one of our greatest assets. “Health is wealth. Don’t put off your mammogram. Make sure you have critical illness cover in place and don’t waste your time on things that don’t matter. Life is short, so live each day with grace and purpose.”
Bezuidenhout also encouraged women to seek professional financial advice to prepare for life’s unexpected challenges, reminding delegates that planning for the future is about protecting both their finances and their peace of mind.
Looking at financial wellbeing, Dr Rufaro Nyakatawa, CFP®, Director at Jersey Finance for the Africa market, challenged women to see themselves not simply as career women, but as “portfolio women” balancing careers, family, wealth, purpose and impact. She encouraged delegates to plan for retirement, prepare financially for major life events such as divorce, widowhood, caregiving and entrepreneurship, and ensure their financial plans evolve alongside the different stages of life.
Mental wellbeing formed another important part of the day’s discussions. Dr Vuledzani Dangele, CFP®, Head of Regulatory Implementation and Monitoring at Liberty Life, shared her family’s deeply personal experience of supporting a child living with severe mental health challenges. Speaking from both lived experience and professional insight, she reminded delegates that many women carry invisible burdens while continuing to care for others. Her message was simple but powerful: you cannot pour from an empty cup and caring for your own wellbeing is essential before supporting those around you.
Encouraging women to step confidently into leadership, Brunhilde Gerber, CFP®, Deputy Head of School at Milpark Education, challenged delegates to stop waiting until they felt completely ready before pursuing opportunities. She reminded attendees that self-doubt remains one of the greatest barriers to success, while education, continuous learning and the courage to take action open doors for both personal and professional growth.
Closing the event, behavioural strategist and CEO of Resilient People, Joni Peddie, explored the uniquely human strengths that technology will never replace. While artificial intelligence continues to reshape the workplace, she encouraged delegates to focus on developing emotional intelligence, self-management and lifelong learning. Sharing practical ways to improve mental clarity, energy and resilience, she reminded women that their greatest competitive advantage will always be the human qualities that technology cannot replicate.
As Women’s Day approaches, the event served as a timely reminder that success is not measured by titles or achievements alone. It is found in looking after your health, investing in your future, supporting others and having the courage to keep moving forward, even through life’s greatest challenges.
Empowering people to build better futures through trusted professional financial planning and advice. FPI Vision 2030
Ends
About The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa
The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa NPC (FPI) is the only professional body in South Africa authorised to offer the FSA®, RFP® and internationally FPSB-recognised CFP® professional designations. As a South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA)-registered professional body, FPI ensures that its professional designations are listed on the National Learner Record Database (NLRD), affirming its commitment to educational and professional excellence. FPI is also approved by the South African Revenue Service (SARS) as a Recognised Controlling Body (RCB), further underscoring its role in upholding high standards within the financial planning profession.
For more information on obtaining a professional designation or learning about the benefits of FPI membership, please contact businessdevelopment@fpi.co.za or call +27 (11) 470 6000.
For more information about the Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa, visit www.fpi.co.za.
