By Tanya Olckers
When Sindephi Eric Gayiya saw a shortage of professional plumbers in his community, he decided that he would step up to the plate and make a difference.
Sindephi Gayiya. Supplied by Sindephi Gayiya
His goal was to help alleviate water waste from leaking water pipes, and to help prevent illness by repairing leaking sewer pipes in his community – Komani in the Eastern Cape.
“Since the country has a shortage of drinking water and some areas have no water supply, I felt bad about the loss of such a scarce basic need,” Gayiya says. “Leaking sewer pipes exposed communities to diseases and I could not take that, especially since our municipality had a shortage of resources to address the issue.
”Community is central to Gayiya’s philosophy on life and business. This has been the case since he started out as a plumber in 2015. He provides the opportunity of employment to those who need to work and also provides mentorship to learners from his local TVET college. However, his passion for his community and for plumbing don’t end there.
“I also assist members of the communities who are unable to pay for such services by repairing their leaking taps and sewer pipes,” he says. His love for the plumbing industry is evident. “The industry is exciting as there are new challenges on a daily basis,” he says.
“The industry provides broad knowledge and insight through courses, some of which are offered for free. One also feels proud when his/her work is recognised by both private and public sectors. Plumbing is a recognised profession and one can register with various bodies such as PIRB and IOPSA.”
What Gayiya would like to see for the future of plumbing is a greater importance being placed on introducing the profession in schools. He would also like to see plumbing promoted at social events and roadshows. His vision is that plumbing is promoted in all areas of South Africa and not just in developed and urban areas, but in rural areas too.
| What was your most challenging plumbing experience?
“Getting inside and having to clean a heavily blocked sewer manhole.” |
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