FITTING THOUGHT
1
When you have the
opportunity, do you
give your opinion?
This may seem like an odd question, but I would
hazard a guess that the answer would come
down to a no.
Despite the stressed economics South Africa is
experiencing at the moment, waiting around for
the elections, and the ever-popular load-shedding
(and I’m only emphasising it like this because soon
it will be an official book), South Africans remain
positive, encouraging, and some really want to
make things better.
be better without opinions, whether positive or
constructive criticism. To repeat something that
I was told at the ISH Frankfurt show, no matter
how long something is going to take, you need a
starting point to get there.
In this issue, we continue the rainwater series (page
43) where we look at the design of rainwater systems.
Our two-part feature is on drainage; being such an
extensive topic, we cover the questions you as the
readers have asked us — read more on page 48.
Needless to say, no one can solve every challenge
on their own, but working together provides a much
quicker solution. I am often faced with situations
where I proffer my opinion, be it a professional one or
just from my perspective. Of course, I always consider
the reality of any scenario and respond accordingly.
The same opportunity is afforded to others who
choose to say nothing but then complain about the
results later on. Our project is the downpipe relining of the Modus
Group building in Edenvale, Johannesburg.
We also take a look at the start-up rationale
for #SurplusWater2025, with a case study
showing the impact of this initiative on page 35.
Our business section looks at power through
knowledge and training, as many plumbers in the
industry admit their lack of participation in this
important area.
Perhaps it is just an over-exaggerated place in
which we find ourselves as humans, through fear
that our opinion will be seen in a bad light. You
have to ask yourself: have we lost our ability to
communicate effectively in today’s digitised world,
where any words or opinions that are exchanged
in person create an unknown and anxious
environment; so much so that people will generally
rather just not participate? I would like to invite you to take a minute out of your
day and let us know what you think of Plumbing
Africa; what you like, what you do not like, and what
you would like to see more of. I value your opinions,
no matter positive or negative. This is a product for
you, to empower you with the information you need to
be successful in this industry. Please get in touch via
phone, email, text, or WhatsApp:
• Office: +27 (0) 11 579 4940
• Email: [email protected]
• Mobile: +27 (0) 82 94 00 701
Now, back to the people who want to make a
difference. They are usually those who elicit
opinions or advice but land up in a position where
they have to make decisions based on a very
small number of responses. Yet, in the service
business, this is where your opinion really counts
— this is that open door for you to let people
or companies know your thoughts. Nothing can
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
I trust you enjoy another information-packed edition.
Happy plumbing all!
Ben
April 2019 Volume 25 I Number 2