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How her health became
her wealth: Zipho’s
For years, Zipho Mabindla-Mlisa, Senior Financial Manager at Glacier by Sanlam, believed that success meant putting everything and everyone else first.
As a busy, working mother and the leader of a pressurised team, her days are filled with deadlines, family responsibilities, and an endless list of commitments – including fulfilling her investment dreams of owning more than one property.
Somewhere along the way, her own wellbeing slipped to the bottom of the priority list.
“I kept telling myself I’d focus on my health when life slowed down,” she says. “But life never slows down.”
Like many people, Zipho ignored the warning signs. She felt constantly tired, struggled with stress, and found it difficult to maintain healthy habits. Her energy levels were low, and even simple tasks seemed more exhausting than they should have been. She knew something had to change but making that first move felt overwhelming.
The turning point came when she realised that good health was not a luxury—it was the foundation of everything else she wanted to achieve. Raising a young child requires energy. Staying healthy to see her grow up and succeed in the world needs a health strategy.
“I had always thought of health as something separate from success,” she explains. “Then I realised that without my health, I couldn’t show up fully for my family, my career, or myself.”
Instead of attempting a dramatic transformation, Zipho focused on small, sustainable changes. She started by taking short walks during the day, drinking more water, and making more mindful food choices. She also prioritised regular health check-ups and committed to getting enough sleep.
The results were gradual, but powerful.
Within a few months, Zipho noticed that she had more energy, better focus, and a renewed sense of confidence. She became more productive at work and more present at home. Tasks that once felt overwhelming became manageable, and she found herself approaching challenges with a clearer mindset.
Perhaps most importantly, the changes had a ripple effect on her financial wellbeing.
By investing in preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyle habits, she reduced unplanned medical expenses and avoided the costs that often accompany neglected health issues. Her increased energy and productivity also helped her perform at her best professionally.
“That’s when it clicked,” says Zipho. “My health wasn’t taking resources away from my future—it was helping to build it.”
Today, Zipho sees wellness as one of the most valuable investments she can make. She understands that wealth is about more than money in the bank or an investment portfolio. Those are important to make her dreams a reality. Real wealth is about having the physical and mental capacity to enjoy life with her child and husband, pursue opportunities, and create meaningful experiences with the people she loves.
Her message to others is simple: start where you are.
“You don’t have to change everything overnight,” she says. “Small steps really do add up. Every healthy choice is an investment in your future.”
For Zipho, the journey began with a decision to put her wellbeing first. In doing so, she discovered a powerful truth: when you take care of your health, it can become one of the greatest sources of wealth in your life.
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