Meet your plumbing professionals for the Plumbing Indaba Olympics

KWAZULU-NATAL

Barry Chapman, owner of Chapman Plumbing, says that he is nervous and excited at the same time for the Plumbing Indaba Olympics.

“I believe it is going to be a great experience. It will be great to work with two learner plumbers and see how we work as a team – hopefully my skill level is up to scratch.”

As for why he loves plumbing, Barry explains “Plumbing is the most important trade in the world. Without sanitation the world would be a very different place. Having the ability to convey the most valuable commodity in the world is a moment of pride – we bring life into a building and take death out. Plumbing with pride and passion.”

Raksha Munian, Umhlanga Plumbers, is both excited and nervous for the Indaba and Olympics. “I am very excited to be a part of the Indaba and the Plumbing Olympics. I feel a bit nervous because I have been out of domestic plumbing for a while as I have been more on the commercial side. I’m looking forward to engaging with different entities.”

As for what she loves most about plumbing, Raksha simply says “A satisfied customer and the smile on their face.”

WESTERN CAPE

Blaide Dune Pretorius will be representing Zero 2 One Plumbing at the Indaba’s Olympics.

 “I am very excited about the Indaba, as it is the first one I am privileged enough to attend. I am honoured to compete and represent my district – I hope to make them proud.”

As for why he loves plumbing, Blaide explains “I really enjoy and look forward to learning and physically feeling innovative new breakthroughs in this wonderful industry I get to be a part of.”

FREE STATE

Devan Esterhuizen, DC Plumbing, says that it is great to see that everyone will be participating in the event – both plumbers and learners – as it allows everyone to see where others could be struggling, and help each other.

As for why he loves plumbing, Devan explains “The best thing about plumbing, for me, is working with my hands. I am also proud of my work after I am done with a job, and I get to see what I did and what I can offer the client.”

GAUTENG

Gobusamang Moses Mokgatlhe, GM Plumbing, says that he is excited for the Indaba and looks forward to participating in the Olympics.

As for why he loves plumbing, Gobusamang explains that “Water if life – and being able to manage life is a very satisfying feeling. In my younger career as a plumber, I found much joy in being the designated person that someone relied on to pivot their situation from a problem to a solution.

“I also love doing my part in protecting the health of the nation, providing clean water and safe sanitation.”

Reuben Zwane, Plumbcol Plumbing, says that he is happy to be rubbing shoulders with the plumbing champions of the industry.

As for why he loves plumbing, Reuben explains: “Plumbing plays a significant role worldwide – without it, sicknesses and death would occur daily, and in large numbers.”

Robert Schoeman, RMS Plumbing, shares his excitement about participating in the Plumbing Olympics: “It’s going to be exciting to see my knowledge within the industry – working as team with my fellow colleagues and sharing my skills with the younger up-and-coming plumbers.”

“What I love most about Plumbing is that you learn everyday as it’s such a fast-growing industry that one never knows what you’re going to find when receiving a call and figuring out how to solve clients’ problems.”

SOUTHERN CAPE

Max Griffiths, owner of Black Hammer Industries, explains that “The Plumbing Indaba gives a deeper look into what we do as plumbers and also why we do it. The Olympics are a chance to show our skills and the years of experience that shaped and honed our craft.”

“What I love most about plumbing is that no two days are the same. Every day brings a new challenge – from making practical sense of an architect’s design or fixing a problem that no one else can,” concludes Max.