Edited 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.
Tebello Amelia Mahlaha.
Supplied by Tebello Mahlaha
Here, we interview and shine a spotlight on Tebello Mahlaha – a trainee in maintenance at Southern Sun OR Tambo International Airport, who has also worked with WBHO Construction Company for two years as an in-training plumber.
Where did you do your training?
I am an Apprentice (Appie) at BluLever Education. As part of my apprenticeship, I also did my gutter training at Crescent House voluntarily.
How long have you been involved in the plumbing industry?
I started plumbing in January 2023, so I have been in the industry for over 3 years now.
Did you always know you wanted to be a plumber? If not, what job did you want to do before plumbing?
No – growing up, I originally wanted to be a civil engineer. I ended up studying Automotive Engineering at Ekurhuleni West TVET College, and that’s where my passion for working with my hands really grew — which down the line, naturally led me to plumbing.
What made you want to get into the plumbing industry?
I wanted a hands-on career where I could solve real problems for people every day. I would also love to own my own plumbing company one day.
What is the strangest/funniest thing that’s happened to you on the job?
A client called me for a serious blockage, which turned out to be was caused by a child flushing clothes down the toilet. Ohhh, the look on their face when I pulled them out!
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to get into plumbing?
Firstly, start with proper training and get your qualifications before anything else.
Secondly, don’t be afraid of the dirty work — that’s where you learn the most, especially for us females.
| Tebello’s advice to women looking at plumbing as a career
To all women: we belong here and we can do all the of the same jobs as our male counterparts. We are more than capable of being plumbers. We bring precision, care and great customer service to the trade. |
Tebello’s philosophy when doing plumbing work is “Do it right the first time. Quality work lasts.”
