Women in Plumbing: Four female-students of Motheo TVET College

By Megan O’Connor

Throughout August, Plumbing Africa is celebrating the women making their mark on the plumbing industry. From plumbers and business owners to leaders, specialists, educators and industry professionals, this series shines a light on the women whose skills, determination and experience are helping to shape the future of plumbing. Here, we hear all about the stories of four female students at Motheo TVET College.

Ramolelle Madineo, first-year student at Motheo TVET College.
All images and videos supplied by Motheo TVET College

Motheo TVET College is based in Bloemfontein, in the Free State province. It spans the eastern part of the province and comprises eight campuses that serve communities including Zastron, Koffiefontein, Botshabelo and Thaba Nchu.

“The college admits at least 60% females each year,” says Motheo College. This high proportion of female students reveals something exciting: “More and more females are showing a greater interest in apprenticeship programmes.”

“Motheo’s approach to empowering women in apprenticeship programmes aligns with the college’s vision: The Gateway to Employability,” says Motheo College. Part of this vision is breaking the stigma that certain trades are meant for men alone. “Women are just as capable and they can do it.”

For women considering plumbing as a career, Motheo College acknowledges that it can be challenging, but says it is a rewarding and enjoyable career too. “Being a successful female plumber can put you on the map, as the sector is currently still very much male-dominated,” they emphasise.

On that note, the college has introduced Plumbing Africa to four female plumbing learners who are currently working towards their qualifications – and, in doing so, challenging the stereotype that the trades are only attractive to men.

Here are their stories.

Ramolelle Madineo – Watch Video: Student1_video

“My name is Ramolelle Madineo, and I’m a first-year student student at Motheo TVET College, where I am doing plumbing and gaining both practical and theoretical skills. I have been a student for eight months now, and I am continuously gaining experience. I enjoy plumbing work as it gives me an opportunity to explore, to learn new technologies, to challenge myself, and to build a valuable career for myself.

“Originally, I wanted to be an electrical engineer, but as I learnt more about plumbing, I discovered that I was more interested in it and that I was willing to learn more about it and the challenges that it brings.

“My advice to ladies looking at plumbing as a career is: be willing to learn, work hard and never be afraid to ask questions, because practice and patience will make you better. My mottos are:

• Quality and safety come first.
• Do it right, don’t just do it.
• Use the right tools for the right job.
• Don’t let stereotypes stop you – plumbing is for everyone who is willing to learn, determined and hard working.”

Sethibe Mosa – Watch Video: Student2_video

“My name Sethibe Mosa, and I am currently doing plumbing at Motheo TV College. It’s been three years now since I started doing

Sethibe Mosa, third-year student at Motheo TVET College.

plumbing. I never thought I would join the plumbing industry – originally, I wanted to be in hospitality because I love cooking and thought I would become a chef. What attracted me to plumbing was my curiosity – I wanted to know more and learn more about the challenges of the industry.

“The funniest story that I have was when we went to Bloemfontein for our practicals. It was for six months and we got called out for a blocked toilet. I went and fetched the plunger – I was so excited because it was my first time working on a blocked toilet. Wearing my PPE, I pushed the plunger in wrong and the water splashed me – I was so worried that I would smell the whole day. For me, it was a learning experience.

“My philosophy when it comes to working is to make plumbing fun. Have fun doing it, because when you are not having fun doing the job, you’ll get bored and you’ll end up doing something else.

“My advice that I would give to any women out there looking to take on plumbing as a career is to be patient, because plumbing can be challenging. Yes, plumbing is labelled as ‘men’s work’, but as a woman, I believe that we are just as capable. Go for it! We can conquer the same that the men do in the industry.”

Segoje Tshepiso – Watch Video: Student3_video

“My name is Segoje Tshepiso, and I am a third-year learner Plumber at Motheo TVET College. I joined the plumbing industry because

Segoje Tshepiso, third-year student at Motheo TVET College.

it has so many career opportunities – one can work in construction, maintenance, domestic plumbing, commercial buildings, factories, or be self-employed.

“In plumbing, you are always learning because there are new technologies, new materials, new installation methods and regulations constantly, and I find it interesting. Originally, I was a civil engineering student, and plumbing was one of the modules I did – I fell in love with it. My motto has always been ‘give quality work to get reliable solutions’ – you always have to think about the end user of the work you have done.

“Plumbing is not a male thing or a male career. We as females have the utmost ability in this industry, and I advise women that are thinking about plumbing as a career to join the trade as it is very innovative, and one needs to be passionate and determined.

“Looking back, when I started as an apprentice, I remember how my mentor Mr Rantshonyane would stand behind me when I was trying to concentrate on what I was assigned to do in our workshop. He would ask, ‘who taught you that?’ and at that point, I would know that whatever I was doing was wrong. I learned so much through him, and I appreciate the patience he has had with me.”

Segotho Sebabatso – Watch Video: Student4_video

“My name is Segotho Sebabatso, and I am doing my training at Motheo TVET College, where I have been learning for eight months

Segotho Sebabatso, first-year student at Motheo TVET College.

now. Originally, I wanted to be a sociaI worker, but I got into plumbing for three reasons:

1. To help my people to solve problems in their house.
2. It is an essential trade, so there is always work.
3. Plumbing gives me the skills and confidence to be financially independent.

“My advice to people looking at plumbing as a career is to start with proper training and a schedule, learn SANS codes, practice soldering and pressure testing, and never stop asking questions. Plumbing is hard, but if you are willing to learn, it will be easy. Take pride on what you do.

“My philosophy is ‘do the job right the first time’. I believe in clean, neat and SANS-compliant work that I am proud to sign my name on.

“Don’t let anyone tell you that plumbing is a man’s work – get your training, get your certificate, and be a qualified plumber.

“My funniest moment in plumbing was when I was once called out to a house to unblock the pipes. When I arrived there, I found out that the toilet was blocked and the blockage was caused by a toy and two sponges – it made sense why the toilet was always backing up. When I asked the client how those things got there, he said he didn’t know – we looked at each other and just laughed!”