By BluLever Education, edited by Megan O’Connor
In an industry still largely shaped by men, women like Thandeka Mweli are steadily proving that commitment, resilience and skill are what truly count. A plumbing apprentice at Drainmen Johannesburg, supported by company owner Gideon Pieters, Mweli’s journey shows how passion grows when the right opportunity meets the right determination. Here is her story in her own words.
Thandeka Mweli, plumbing apprentice at Drainmen Johannesburg. All images supplied by BluLever Education
The first time I was exposed to plumbing was during a maintenance learnership at Public Works. The project was designed to empower young people by giving us practical experience in different trades in South Africa, including electrical, tiling, plumbing, mechanical and welding. We rotated through each trade until the project ended. Out of everything we learned, plumbing became my favourite. My mentor explained things clearly and made the work feel exciting. He told me that if I wanted to continue, I needed to study it because plumbing is a journey that takes commitment and hard work, not something you master overnight.
When the project ended, I tried searching for plumbing schools, but I struggled. While scrolling through SAYouth looking for work, I came across a post from BluLever Education about a plumbing apprenticeship programme. I applied and got invited to finalist day. I knew I had to give it everything because it was exactly what I wanted, and I did not want to disappoint myself.
In this field, people like to say that plumbing is not for women because we are too sensitive or not physically strong enough. I used to doubt myself too. Working at Drainmen Johannesburg changed that completely. The team has made it easier for me to learn and grow. When I face anything I do not understand, I ask questions or report my challenges. My boss always reminds us to use the right tools for the job because it saves time and helps us understand the work better. I am surrounded by people who support me at work and at college, and their dedication makes plumbing enjoyable.
One moment that stands out for me was when we had to dig a trench. I used to think I could not do it because I am a woman and that kind of job was for men. I removed those thoughts from my mind. I picked up the tools and worked just like everyone else. I surprised myself by how well I handled it, and we completed the project within the expected time. That experience taught me not to underestimate myself.
Since joining the plumbing industry, I have gained entrepreneurial skills, worked with people from different backgrounds and visited places I never imagined I would see. I have also built strong relationships with clients. In the future, I see myself running my own company and empowering women to choose plumbing with confidence. We need more female plumbers to show the world that we are capable and that we can do this work just as well as men.
Most clients tell me it is their first time seeing a woman in this job. I take it as a compliment because many of them are proud when they see me working. Knowing that I am breaking stereotypes motivates me to keep going.
| Thandeka’s advice to anyone looking at plumbing as a career Plumbing is a good career because you can start your own business or choose to work as an employee. You will never run out of work because plumbing is an essential service. My advice is to stay physically fit, eat well, be disciplined and maintain a good attitude. Your hard work will pay off. |
