6 ASSOCIATIONS
Kasi 2 Kasi : a township plumbing revolution
By
Tanya Olckers
Kasi 2 Kasi , a newly established plumbing association , held its first open day dialogue on 7 November 2023 around the theme ‘ encouraging compliance and promoting better plumbing practices ’. The association seeks to bring professional standards and awareness to plumbers located within South African townships .
The open day dialogue revolved around compliance and professionalism within the plumbing industry , with a strong focus on owners and practitioners in townships . The meeting was opened by Thabo Nkhasi , executive chairman of Kasi 2 Kasi , who also chaired the discussion panel .
Nkhasi emphasised the importance of plumbers being part of a professional body to lend credibility to their business . He also spoke about the value of being qualified as a plumber , which again would feed into the esteem that the profession is held in .
Rendani Tshivhula from Plumbing Industry Registration Board ( PIRB ) summed up the significance of the plumbing industry in a beautifully illustrative way : “ We transport a commodity more precious than gold . Plumbers are soldiers who transport water .”
Plumbing Africa
Rendani Tshivhula from PIRB .
Nkhasi underscored the value of plumbers being essential service workers , which was echoed by Sello Mokawane , IOPSA vice-president and PIRB board member . He added , “ Standards and compliance need to be raised . It ’ s good practice to see more logos , to see more uniforms and to see professionalism .”
A panel discussion on compliance was held , with speakers Steve van Zyl from IOPSA , Sello Mokawane , Dumisani Mngadi from SABS as well as Khuthala Msali from the city of Johannesburg and Potso Ranoko from Kasi 2 Kasi . Khuthala Msali from the City of Johannesburg spoke about the value of training and official recognition , and outlined how the City of Johannesburg not only supports the training and mentorship of plumbers but is also willing to absorb those who excel into their ranks .
Khuthala Msali from City of Johannesburg .
While the industry is represented by several well-established industry bodies , these organisations struggle to gain access to , or be heard by government departments , agencies and municipalities . Kasi 2 Kasi is an organisation that is looking to be part of the change , dedicated to bringing the message of unity and professional certification and recognition to their communities . PA
“ We transport a commodity more precious than gold .”
Thabo Nkhasi from Kasi 2 Kasi opens the dialogue .
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline February 2024 Volume 29 I Number 12