Contributor By BluLever Education, edited by Megan O’Connor
Masungulo Baloyi, part of the Water Warriors cohort, has built her career in plumbing through determination, resilience and a refusal to let other people’s expectations define what she is capable of.
All images supplied by BluLever Education
Now trade tested and working at T and D Business Solutions, her journey reflects both the challenges and opportunities that come with being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry.
Her path into the trades was shaped by a desire to do meaningful, hands-on work.
“Honestly, I never wanted a desk job in an office. I wanted work where I could use my hands and see real results. Growing up, there was someone at home who fixed cars and did house installations. Watching what he achieved through his trade inspired me.”
While plumbing was not her original plan, the idea of becoming skilled and independent stayed with her.
“At first I didn’t think about plumbing specifically, but the idea of being skilled, independent and solving real problems stuck with me.”
Like many women entering the trades, she was aware of the barriers she might face.
“Entering a male-dominated industry felt intimidating at first. But it also became my motivation. I wanted to prove to myself that I could do it, and that women belong in trades just as much as men,” says Baloyi.
Early in her career, she encountered people who doubted whether women belonged on site at all.
“One of the first challenges was people looking down on me because I’m a woman in plumbing. At one company I worked for, there was a skilled plumber who didn’t think a lady should be in the field.”
The comments were often direct and dismissive.
“He told me I’d be better off making timesheets in the office than dirtying my hands.”
Being underestimated was frustrating, but she chose not to let those opinions distract her from her goals.
“That made me feel underestimated and frustrated at first. But I handled it by letting my work speak for me. I showed up and did my best, and over time proving myself on site mattered more than what anyone said.”
As she gained experience, she learned that confidence often comes from action rather than words. One particular experience stands out as a defining moment in her journey.
“While repairing a burst pipe, my boss told me to stay in the office and clean because he didn’t think I could handle digging trenches based on my body type.”
Instead of accepting that decision, she chose to prove what she was capable of.
“Instead of arguing, I went to the site anyway. I worked alongside the team and proved I could do the job just as well.”
The reaction from her colleagues was something she still remembers today.
“In the end, they were surprised and asked where I learned to dig trenches. I just laughed and said, ‘Well, I grew up in the villages after all.’”
For Baloyi, the moment represented something much bigger than digging a trench.
“That moment showed them, and me, that capability isn’t about gender or size. It’s about skill and willingness to work.”
Today, one of the things she enjoys most about the trade is the opportunity to solve real problems and continue learning every day.
“What drives me is solving real problems and sleeping well knowing I helped. Water issues are never the same throughout, so I’m constantly learning.”
Her approach to plumbing is rooted in curiosity and understanding.
“My first move is always ‘why is it like that?’ That question helps me get to solutions that actually last.”
Starting her career as the only woman on an all-male team also helped shape her confidence. “When challenges came up, everyone was asked, ‘How would you solve this?’ That pushed me to think fast, speak up, and build confidence with clients early on.”
Over time, she has noticed positive changes in how women are viewed within the industry. “I’ve noticed small but positive shifts. More women are now being given the chance to prove they’re capable, and that’s changing things slowly.”
At the same time, she believes there is still work to be done. “The ongoing challenge is that some older, unqualified workers feel threatened by us. Sometimes they make discouraging comments to demotivate women on site.”
Rather than focusing on those obstacles, she chooses to focus on the future. “But I believe things will improve as the industry changes. Many of those workers will retire, and we as the next generation of plumbers can set a new standard for how women are treated.”
For Baloyi, lasting change starts with shifting attitudes and perceptions. “The real work is changing mindsets. Attitudes won’t shift overnight because they’re based on old beliefs. But with more women in trades and with consistent, professional work, we can slowly change how people think about women in this field.”
Her message to young women considering a career in the trades is simple, encouraging and rooted in her own experience. “Do not let your fear control your future. Experiences won’t always be the same, so sometimes you need to motivate yourself and believe that you can do it.”
She also encourages young women not to allow challenges to define their limits. “I am a double-traded person myself. I never let challenges control what I can do.”
Through her work, determination and willingness to keep proving herself, Baloyi continues to challenge stereotypes and create space for more women in the trades. Her story is a reminder that success is not determined by gender, but by skill, persistence and the courage to keep showing up when others doubt you.
