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 Kheto Silaule – a powerhouse plumber who never let the phrase ‘It’s a man’s job’ stop her.
Kheto Ashley Silaule.
All images supplied by Kheto Silaule
Kheto has been in the plumbing industry for 9 years and currently works at Burgess Plumbing. She did her theory at South West Gauteng College, after which she went to AITF (Africa International Training Facilities) for her trade certificate in plumbing. But it wasn’t always plumbing that she wanted to pursue as a career.
“Originally, I wanted to be a Civil Engineer when I was growing up,” explains Kheto. “I always knew that I wanted to work with my hands, and looking at the scarcity of jobs in our country, plumbing stood out to me as the best option because women are always in demand.”
When asked what she would say to anyone interested in plumbing as a career, Kheto explain that she would always tell them to go for it. “Why? Because plumbing is an essential trade in society – so much so, that even Artificial Intelligence can replace it. We will always need a human’s touch four our daily plumbing use, and it is a skill that no one can take away from you.”
Her funniest moment on the job
“One day I was repairing a burst pipe with the team, and before I even knew it, the pipe exploded – I was drenched and had no dry clothes to change into.”
| Kheto’s advice to women looking at plumbing as a career
“I urge you to consider plumbing as a career. It helps in breaking the stereotype and inspires other young girls to explore careers in a skilled trade.
Don’t ever let ‘it’s a man’s job’ stop you.” |
As for her philosophy when it comes to plumbing? “Always say yes to the ‘dirty’ jobs to make it in life – and while you’re at it, remember that dedication is the key.”
