Compiled by Tanya Olckers
Plumbing Africa follows up on some to the people and companies interviewed thirty years ago.
Murray Crow, managing director of Kwikot. Supplied by Kwikot
Kwikot: From geysers to smart energy pioneers
In 1995, Kwikot was already a name that plumbers trusted, and households recognised – synonymous with robust electric geysers that had stood the test of time in South African homes. Back then, the business was focused on quality local manufacturing and building strong distributor relationships. The tech was traditional, but the promise was already clear: hot water, delivered reliably.
Fast-forward to 2025 and Kwikot has evolved into a future-forward energy solutions brand, now proudly part of the Haier Smart Home family. Today, Kwikot isn’t just manufacturing geysers – its pioneering smart energy systems like the Elon Smart Water Heating System.
Looking ahead, Kwikot envisions a smarter, more connected home, where water heating, energy use and environmental impact are all intelligently managed. With Haier’s global technology pipeline and Kwikot’s 120-year South African legacy, the mission is to lead the charge in accessible, smart and sustainable home energy for the next generation.
Peter Berry believes in a healthy work-life balance. Supplied by Peter Berry
Peter Berry – Plumbs Up
There is no doubt that the plumbing industry has evolved dramatically since 1995.
Accessibility to knowledge via internet makes it quicker to learn new skills. So many new materials have been introduced which cut down labour time, are far less cumbersome, eliminate the need for heavy old fashioned tool time and machinery.
Social media is used in so many ways from advertising to educational forums. We used to use pamphlets and books. Back in ‘95 I worked anywhere from Cape Town to Johannesburg. About 90% of new clients come from area WhatsApp groups – so social media has transformed things. “I’ve learned to never take any good situation for granted, life can change overnight.”
Berry is still operating from Craighall, however his business model has changed. He has streamlined from three teams to one. “I’ve realised that for the kind of work we do and the number of houses we go into and t
Chris Burgess, a familiar face in the plumbing world. © Plumbing Africa
he times we are living in with all the crime etc, people want to know exactly who’s in their house and need to know that they can trust them,” he says.
Chris Burgess – Burgess Plumbing
Chris Burgess started out with a vision to create a business that was professional and compliant, with a vision to create an attitude of getting things right the first time in the plumbing industry.
Today his business, which started out with one bakkie, has a fleet of plumbing trucks and vehicles and has also expanded into solar installations and providing water tanks for access to clean water.
What has changed for him in 30 years? “The way I communicate,” he says. “Everyone has a different way of communication and understanding and I have had to adapt to other people’s way of communication. It’s not just about knowing how to do the job of a plumber – it’s understanding how to manage people and to be the best people manager you can be.”
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