By Megan O’Connor
Throughout August, Plumbing Africa is celebrating the women making their mark on the plumbing industry. From plumbers and business owners to leaders, specialists, educators and industry professionals, this series shines a light on the women whose skills, determination and experience are helping to shape the future of plumbing. Here, we shine a spotlight on Boitshoko Magwaxazi – a final year student who has always had a passion for helping people.
Boitshoko Magwaxazi. All images supplied by Boitshoko Magwaxazi.
Boitshoko has been in the plumbing industry since 2024. She is currently completing her final year of studying through Maile Campus, is doing her practical work at Tlhabane Clinic for maintenance and installation is Rustenberg, and has been recruited by the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA). But it wasn’t always plumbing that was her calling.
“I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do growing up,” says Boitshoko. “I thought of doing nursing because I loved helping people.”
She knew that she wanted to learn a skill that would always be needed, and from that skill she wanted to be able to build a career and be independent. “I have always wanted to do something hands-on. When the NYDA recruited me through Maile Campus, I saw plumbing as a chance to learn a trade and show that women can do this job just as well as men. Since joining the industry in 2024, I have realised that this industry is where I am meant to be – I enjoy the learning and growth that comes with the trade.”
Boitshoko’s advice to women looking at plumbing as a career
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Reflecting on her time in the industry, she advises that anyone considering the trade must be willing to learn, unafraid to get their hands dirty, patient and always ready to ask questions.
As for her philosophy when it comes to plumbing? “Do it right the first time.”
