OPINION PIECE 23
A practicing licence is a paramount requirement for our society
By
Candy Ntabeni, lecturer at Maluthi TVET College
It is paramount for anyone who offers a particular skill to possess a licence to undertake that particular trade.
Having a licence in anything is proof that one has gone through some form of recognised training to gain skills and is capable to use those skills at any given time. Practicing plumbing without being qualified downgrades the trade, especially because there are so many avenues for one to follow to become a qualified tradesperson or professional.
Imagine you are on an airplane, already in your seat and the plane is ready to take off, and the pilot says,“ Welcome on board to Qantas Airline Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flying from Johannesburg to Sydney. My name is Captain Candy, and I have flown this aircraft for 15 000 hours – however I am not licenced to fly. But don’ t worry, I have been in the game for a long time. It will take us approximately 15 hours to get to Sydney. Cabin crew, prepare passengers for take-off.”
Would you stay seated? Or would you stand, grab your bags and leave the aircraft? We can all picture the commotion and confusion as all of the passengers try to leave at once. That is exactly what it feels like dealing with an unqualified person doing plumbing work – no one will ever trust your capabilities.
Why plumbing? Before I go any further, let us understand why plumbing exists. In the early modern ages when industrialisation was booming in Europe, there was a large migration of people from rural, spread-out areas to the newly built, concentrated urban areas. Due to the high number of people suddenly in small areas, health and sanitation become a big concern, with many people dying of various diseases caused by a lack of sanitation. To curb this, a system of pipes was created and installed to ensure clean water was carried into the areas, while dirty water was carried out.
Plumbing is not just a trade. Plumbing is not just a skill. Plumbing is not just a practice. It is a trade that concerns the life and death of an entire community – not just 400 people on an airbus.
Therefore, it is of paramount importance for one to be properly trained and qualified to be able to provide this precious, delicate service to communities. If a bogus doctor can be arrested for practicing without a licence, why can’ t a bogus plumber be arrested? If a policeman can arrest someone for driving without a licence, why can’ t they arrest someone for doing plumbing work without a licence? It is that very plumber who could cause a massive outbreak of waterborne diseases that can affect everyone in the community.
I, as a highly qualified tradesman, who:
• Holds British, South African and Australian plumbing qualifications;
• Is a qualified plumbing facilitator / assessor / lecturer / moderator / mentor;
• Has worked at technical colleges for over 10 years;
• Has worked as a plumbing manager / supervisor; and
• Has worked as a general plumber for over 15 years in various sectors; have always
Candy Ntabeni, lecturer at Maluthi TVET College.
been an advocate for being licenced. When it comes to the issue of being qualified to do plumbing work, I am someone who does not beat about the bush. Why? Because putting pipes and fittings together to convey drinking water is not child’ s play, and it cannot be under-rated.
Many times, I have corrected incorrect installations that were done by an unqualified person who does the work, with no knowledge of Standards and by-laws. After doing a bad job, the unqualified person walks away richer, while the client has no more money to pay the qualified person they have had to call to fix the work. But the unqualified person doing the plumbing work is still making a living, so why would they worry about upgrading themselves and becoming qualified?
The importance of being a qualified plumber In the world of trades, having the right skills is just the beginning. To legally operate in certain trades and take on specific projects, it is essential to hold formal qualifications.
Becoming a qualified tradesperson not only validates your expertise but also opens up a world of opportunities. Whether you want to work on exciting projects or start your own business, having the necessary qualifications is a gamechanger.
Being qualified also offers many advantages, including: 1. Expanded career opportunities. 2. You establish credibility and trust – with your qualification proving your expertise to handle certain work. 3. You demonstrate your compliance with legal and safety requirements. 4. A formal qualification recognises and validates your skills.
So, get qualified – the sooner, the better – and watch those closed doors open. PA
Supplied by Candy Ntabeni
August 2026 Volume 32 I Number 06 www. plumbingafrica. co. za