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 Lizwe Ndlovu, part of the Plumbing Africa and Plumbing’s Travelling Exhibitions Team. This is part one of a three-part series covering the ladies of Plumbing Africa.
Lizwe Ndlovu, journalist for Plumbing Africa and Plumbing’s Travelling Exhibitions.
Supplied by Lizwe Ndlovu
By Lizwe Ndlovu
If someone had told me a few years ago that I would be writing about plumbing for a living, I probably would have laughed. Journalism was always the goal. Plumbing wasn’t. Yet here I am, telling the stories of an industry that has challenged me, surprised me and, most importantly, changed the way I see skilled trades.
When I first entered the industry, I honestly had no idea what I was doing. I remember sitting through technical presentations, hearing terms like backflow prevention, pressure-reducing valves, SANS standards and heat pumps, wondering if everyone else understood what was being said except me.
Looking back, I wish someone had told me that you don’t need to know everything on day one. The plumbing industry is incredibly technical, but it’s also filled with people who are passionate about sharing their knowledge if you’re willing to ask questions.
Being a woman in this space has had its challenges. There have been moments when I felt I had to work twice as hard to prove that I belonged in conversations dominated by men. Also, I wasn’t afraid to ask the “simple” questions, which often uncovered the answers many readers were actually looking for.
What has surprised me most is how innovative the plumbing industry really is. Before joining, I thought plumbing was simply about fixing leaks and installing pipes. Today, I write about smart water technologies, sustainability, rainwater harvesting, water-efficient products and the critical role plumbers play in solving South Africa’s water challenges. I must say that the industry is constantly evolving.
I’ve also been fortunate to learn from experienced plumbers, manufacturers and industry leaders who have generously shared their knowledge. Every interview, exhibition and site visit has become another classroom. They taught me that expertise isn’t built overnight – it comes from listening, learning and remaining curious.
One technical concept that completely confused me at first? Pressure ratings. I couldn’t understand why a 400kPa geyser and a 600kPa geyser mattered so much. Now I appreciate how crucial pressure, compliance and system design are in delivering safe, efficient plumbing installations.
I believe women bring valuable perspectives to this industry. We communicate differently, often pay close attention to detail, and naturally focus on understanding customer needs. Whether working as plumbers, engineers, marketers, sales professionals or journalists, women help make the industry more inclusive and relatable.
| Lizwe’s advice to women considering a career in the plumbing industryTo every young woman considering a career in plumbing, my advice is simple: don’t let the fact that it’s male-dominated discourage you. There is space for your voice, your ideas and your talent. You don’t need to know everything before you begin. In fact, you simply need the willingness to learn. |
Honestly, I certainly didn’t expect to find my career in plumbing. But today, I can’t imagine telling any other stories.
