By Lee Goldie – Drips Plumbing, Founding Member, Institute of Plumbing South Africa
The plumbing industry in South Africa stands at a crossroads. We are a trade built on trust, precision and problem-solving, and yet, within our own professional structures, we find ourselves increasingly divided. As someone who has spent a lifetime on the tools and in leadership, I feel it’s time to speak openly: we are facing a fragmentation of our industry from within.
Lee Goldie, Drips Plumbing. Supplied by Lee Goldie
There are now too many associations, institutes and representative bodies – each vying for power, influence and the right to “speak on behalf” of the plumbing industry. This competition, while often well-intentioned, distracts us from our shared goals – to raise standards, educate the next generation, and deliver professional service to the public.
No single group should hold dominion over others, nor should plumbers be made to feel forced into a particular camp. We must advocate for an overarching, neutral authority — a central body that brings balance and oversight to ensure that all associations are held accountable, operate with transparency, and work towards the collective good. This body should not replace choice,
We must also reaffirm the importance of continuous education and mentorship. Whether you’re on the tools or running a plumbing business, the learning never stops. As professionals, we have a responsibility to share best practices, new technologies and industry developments, so that every customer benefits and every plumber has the chance to elevate their standard of work.
Every plumber, contractor, supplier or apprentice must be free to align themselves with the association or institute that best supports their growth, values and business goals without fear of exclusion or marginalisation. True professionalism is built on inclusivity – not monopoly.
Too often, personal agendas or political power plays have eroded the brotherhood and mutual respect that should define our trade. We forget that our strength lies in unity. The plumber on the ground doesn’t care who chairs which boardroom – what they care about is fair opportunity, recognition of skill, honest wages, and access to resources that help them succeed. And it is for them that we must put our egos aside and re-centre the industry around the worker, not the institution.
The vision remains clear: an industry where everyone – regardless of who they belong to – can learn, grow, and thrive. An industry where knowledge is not hoarded but shared. An industry where respect is given not for who you know, but for the work you do. An industry where the quality of materials, the professionalism of service, and the integrity of pricing form the foundation of public trust.
We must also reaffirm the importance of continuous education and mentorship. Whether you’re on the tools or running a plumbing business, the learning never stops. As professionals, we have a responsibility to share best practices, new technologies and industry developments, so that every customer benefits and every plumber has the chance to elevate their standard of work.
Let us also remember the dignity of the trade. Fair wages, safe working conditions, and ethical treatment are non-negotiable. We cannot allow backdoor dealings, undercutting or disrespect to take root. These practices do not only harm individuals, but also the credibility of the entire plumbing sector.
It is time we return to foundational values – respect, transparency, professionalism and unity. And that begins with acknowledging that no one person or group is bigger than the industry itself. We must work together to create structures that serve plumbers, not control them. Structures that protect choice, encourage dialogue, and uplift standards for everyone – not just the privileged few.
In closing, I offer this: let us put our tools down for a moment and look around. The success of the industry depends on the collective, not the individual. Let us build something bigger than a brand or an institute. Let us build a brotherhood. Let us build an industry that we can all be proud of – one that treats the plumber, the public and the profession with equal respect.
We have the people. We have the skill. What we now need is the courage to come together – not in competition, but in collaboration.
