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 Kekana Mantutununu, who we caught up with at Plumbing Indaba 2026.

She came. She saw. She got the job done. She slayed.
Supplied by Kekana Mantutununu.

Kekana Mantutununu did her training at Ekurhuleni East College ASDC and has been in the plumbing industry since 2019 – officially qualifying in 2022. Being a hands-on person who loves to help people solve urgent problems naturally lead her into a career in the trades.

Kekana currently works at Skylite Trading 62 CC, while also growing her newly born business baby: AquaRich Plumbing. “While AquaRich is not a big company yet, I am hoping to have grown the company by the end of the year,” says Kekana.

When asked ‘Why plumbing?’, Kekana explains, “I am a hands-on girl, and I like helping people solve their urgent problems, so I chose plumbing. A burst pipe, or not having hot water is stressful for customers, and I enjoy resolving their issues. I also like being the person who shows up, fixes the problems properly and leaves the space clean.”

Her interest in plumbing started very early – around 2008 – when she loved reading the regular Mr Fix It articles at the back of the Daily Sun. She also chose Mr Fix It as her career inspiration for a project in Grade 6 because she loved how the articles had so many solutions in one short space.

Her funniest moment on the job

“There was a day on site while I was a student where a joint on the water meter broke loose and I tried stopping the water with my hands until my supervisor advised me to close the duct door – I was already soaking wet and it was winter!”

Kekana’s advice to women looking at plumbing as a career

  • “Start as an apprentice – be willing to learn and ask questions.
  • Plumbing is more practical than theoretical, so be prepared to learn most things on site.
  • Be punctual
  • Take notes
  • Listen to a qualified plumber
  • Keep your work area clean
  • Take safety seriously
  • Lastly, work smart and not hard!”

As for her motto when on site, Kekana simply says: “Work timeously, neatly and properly.”

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