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 Thando Mtshali – a qualified, licenced plumber working at Real Deal Plumbing, who also specialises in heat pump installations, solar water heater installations and gas installations.
Thando Mtshali.
All images supplied by Thando Mtshali
Thando started her training in 2021 at AITF in Bredell, Kempton Park, and obtained her qualification in 2024. With 2026 marking her fifth year in the industry, Thando reflects that “It has not been an easy journey, but it has definitely been worth it.”
Thando grew up with the dream of becoming an artisan because she loved working with her hands. “If I didn’t become a plumber, my next option was to become an electrician,” says Thando. This multi-trade dream is not yet finished, as she still wants to go back to college and finish her electrical course.
When asked what she would say to anyone looking at plumbing as a career, Thando explains “always remember your ‘why’ – especially for young women looking to join the industry. We know that plumbing is still a male-dominated field, and some people will try to show you that you don’t belong here. If you
constantly remember why you’re doing it, no one can change your mind. Don’t do this work for anyone but yourself because plumbing will challenge you – love what you do and it will happen naturally.”
Her strangest moments on the job
“For me, my strangest moments involved realising the places plumbers went through to fix/repair some leaks when I first started in the industry. As we know, in plumbing, we learn everyday because the situations are never the same,” explains Thando. “Another adjustment for me was seeing plumbers eat straight after unblocking drains – I always used as to say ‘I can’t use the same hand to work and eat with,’ but with time, I learned how to be hygienic when it’s comes to plumbing because we also need to be healthy and fit for the job.”
| Thando’s advice to women looking at plumbing as a career
“Plumbing requires you to deal with different people every day, and if you want to excel as a woman in the industry, you must learn to be confident, be bold, be you and stand your ground in every interaction. It’s always about your mindset.” |
As for her motto when it comes to plumbing? “Becoming is much better than being,” says Thando. “Always try to be better than
yesterday by challenging yourself to do better. Be a doer not an observer, so that you can learn quickly and know what you need to know. Be curious and teachable and learn to be flexible so that you can adjust to every situation.”
