IOPSA annual Plumbing industry awards 2023

  By Tanya Olckers

All photos by © Mari Macnamara | Plumbing Africa

IOPSA hosted their annual Plumbing Industry Awards in Johannesburg to honour those making a difference in the industry.

(Left to Right) Tyrone Thomas, Shane Slamet, Layton van Eyk and Quinton Lightfoot from Plumblink.

The IOPSA annual Plumbing Industry Awards were established to acknowledge, honour and show appreciation for individuals and businesses who have made outstanding contributions towards the plumbing industry. Industry leaders and professionals gathered to celebrate those who went the extra mile on 21 September 2023.

The winners spoke of the deep meaning that receiving an award meant to them. “As a smaller company it is often difficult to reward within a sphere. There are not a lot of us, so a reward in the form of an IOPSA nomination or award is a great way to motivate and recognise that we are doing something right,” said Malcolm Harris of Harscan Distributers (Pty) Ltd. Harscan won Importer of the Year. Harscan’s Diba Marole said, “It is so great to receive this award. We worked hard the whole year. Everything we do is all about the client. We do our best to go the extra mile.”

Richard Wiederhold from Advanced Valves.

Richard Wiederhold from Advanced Valves, which won Manufacturer of the Year agrees: “The awards recognise manufacturing companies who have contributed positively to the plumbing industry over the past year. This is truly the highest accolade for me. It means everything and I see it as my lifetime achievement.”

Having something to strive for spurs businesses and individuals on to contribute to the industry. This is echoed by Ushen Parsuram, who received the Auditor of the Year Award. “This recognition underscores the premise that effective teamwork, coupled with adherence to the appropriate protocols, leads to the attainment of remarkable achievements,” he said. Richard Bailie, the Western Cape IOPSA chairman received the award on behalf of Parsuram.

These awards mean a great deal to those in the industry. Being recognised by a reputable body like IOPSA is not only a source of pride, but a stamp of approval. “Clients are looking for established, recognised companies that have standing in the industry,” said nominee Karmen Sewpersadh of KZN Plumbing, “Being an IOPSA member has set us apart from the rest. It has helped our company to grow and to be recognised in the industry.” An emotional Mbali Buthelezi won Apprentice of the Year and was overwhelmed by her win. “There were times I wanted to give up, but I persevered. This award isn’t just for me, it’s for my family, friends, the college and everyone who supported me on this journey,” she said.

Duncan Keil of UPP was also moved by winning Plumbing Company of the Year. “It’s not about me,” he said, “it’s about the industry.”

IOPSA Annual Plumbing Industry Awards 2023

Training Provider of the Year: Flavius Mareka TVET College.

KZN’s Steve Brown, Mehendra Sewpersadh, Garth Scott and Mannie David.