As South Africa commemorates World Plumbing Day on 11 March, it’s a fitting time to recognise the vital role that plumbers play in our daily lives. These professionals ensure access to clean water, efficient sanitation and reliable heating systems – services that are fundamental to public health, economic growth and sustainable development.
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Despite their importance, South Africa faces a significant skills shortage in the plumbing sector. During the 2023 state of the nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the need for more skilled tradespeople, stating, “We need more plumbers. We need more electricians to come and create jobs.” This sentiment underscores the demand for plumbing expertise amid rapid urban expansion, infrastructure development and the rising need for energy-efficient water heating solutions.
A High-Demand Trade with Economic Impact
Plumbing is not just an essential service – it is also a key driver of economic stability and job creation. The industry continues to see strong demand due to infrastructure upgrades, new developments and home renovations. In South Africa’s formal non-agricultural sector, employment has been rising, reinforcing the stability of skilled trades like plumbing. The profession also fosters entrepreneurship, with many plumbers operating as independent contractors or small business owners. The ongoing shortage of qualified plumbers presents an opportunity for those seeking secure, cycle-resilient careers as demand continues to grow.
According to the StatsSA Quarterly Labour Force Survey (Q1 2024), South Africa has approximately 41.16 million people in the working-age population, with 16.75 million employed, equating to an absorption rate of 40.7%. The construction and trade sectors continue to be major sources of employment, highlighting the importance of skilled labour in sustaining economic growth. The trade sector alone employs approximately 3.47 million people, reinforcing the need for skilled professionals like plumbers to support economic expansion.
3. Murray Crow
By equipping plumbers with high-performance water heating solutions, Kwikot enables them to provide efficient, sustainable services to homes and businesses across the country.
Murray Crow, Managing Director of Kwikot, highlights the importance of supporting skilled trades: “Plumbers are the backbone of modern infrastructure, ensuring communities have reliable access to water and heating. At Kwikot, we are proud to partner with plumbing professionals by providing high-quality solutions that help them meet the evolving demands of the industry.”
On this World Plumbing Day, we must not only acknowledge the invaluable contributions of plumbers but also commit to supporting their growth and development. As the country continues to face infrastructure challenges and an ever-increasing demand for sustainable solutions, the role of skilled plumbers has never been more critical. By recognising their expertise, addressing the skills gap and investing in their future, we can ensure that this essential profession thrives, driving progress and enhancing the quality of life for all South Africans.
Crow adds, “Let’s celebrate and elevate the plumbers who are shaping the future of our nation. We urge industry leaders, policymakers and educators to collaborate in creating pathways for the next generation of skilled plumbers, ensuring their success for years to come.’’
