BUSINESS AND TRAINING 19
Transformation
By
Lorraine Mooi , Chair of IOPSA Transformation Committee ; edited by Rory Macnamara
Transformation is one essential element in developing South Africa and accepting that much must be done to create an equal society . IOPSA has identified the need to raise the bar in this sector and instead of just talk , to act on the call .
We extract from the Chair ’ s 2019 / 20 report to the IOPSA Board and invite all in the plumbing sector to engage the call . Credit to those already involved , and it would be good to share your experiences with the committee who would welcome ‘ on the ground ’ input .
The committee consists of : Lorraine Mooi – Chair Samke Mthembu- Secretary Sello Mokawane Sherwyn Norton Mehendra Sepersahd Kwakho Mpepo Lea Smith Brendan Reynolds Steve Brown
The support from members , regions and office bearers has been encouraging . Transformation is not a quick solution , but rather a change of mind and attitude .
With regards to committees , the change is noticeable . Black representation increased from 11 to 21 . One regional chair is black . Women sadly remain under-represented on committees with two white and two black . Sadly , the Limpopo committee formed earlier collapsed , losing one of the black Chairs .
The regional meetings are open to all races and genders . During this time , it was recommended that each region hold at least two meetings in townships . Two such meetings were held in Durban and Gauteng , both hosted by Build It .
Appreciating the concern , in some quarters , attending township meetings is part of the mindset that needs changing . The directness is intended as we do need to develop one industry and not a race industry . Organisers do need to ensure the venue is secure and easily accessible . placed on YouTube and the IOPSA website . A total of 581 views were recorded . Due to reduced funding and the provider unable to continue producing the videos , the series cannot be continued , but is still available on the IOPSA YouTube channel .
While it is important that the national body can supply policy and inputs on transformation , it is critical that members supply their own feedback of their experiences , concerns and thoughts on transformation . National policy can supply broad policy ( in line with government ’ s policy ), but regions must adapt to suit their region .
The policy includes civil responsibility , and much work was done in Diepsloot and Rabie Ridge townships , together with WASSUP , to provide and maintain toilets and water points . So , on World Plumbing Day , most regions were actively engaged in plumbing matters in poorer areas , schools and old age homes .
A critical part of transformation is mentoring historically disadvantaged individuals . Credit to those who undertook this rewarding task . Mentoring was in the form of plumbers , contactors , auditors and CPD points are gained for this task .
IOPSA and PIRB are currently training a group of mentors called the Plumbing Industry Mentorship Practitioner
At IOPSA Head Office the staff consists of :
• Six white males
• Five black women
• Four white women
• Two black males
From the plumbing industry perspective , to get any meaningful idea of representation we took the PIRB registered statistics to indicate the work that needs to be done .
PIRB
The ‘ blueprint ’ exists and needs to be developed . Regions must take up the challenge and after a few , one will see ‘ it just comes naturally .’
On the media front , all media , insensitive posts / statements were removed , and two members received a final written warning . A series of BBBEE training videos were launched in March and
April 2021 Volume 27 I Number 2 www . plumbingafrica . co . za