NEWS 3
In memory of an industry icon
Compiled by
Rory Macnamara
We asked a few people in industry to share their thoughts on Vollie Brink , who passed away in November 2023 .
“ I have had the privilege of working along with Oom Vollie on SABS technical committees and other water and sanitation forums since 1994 . He was a real gentleman in every good sense of the word , “ hoflik en gemoedelik ” in his native tongue . While his knowledge and experience of the practical and engineering side of water and sanitation was legendary , he had the knack and patience to convey complicated concepts in charming , simple , and often humorous ways . Besides the many construction projects that are monuments to his “ day job ” over the decades in the industry , it was the extra effort which came out his private time that benefitted so many persons that had contact with him – a real value that cannot be measured . But his real gift to everyone was his person itself , just Oom Vollie as he was . The mental snapshots of Oom Vollie – his pride in the achievements of his extended family , the beautiful old powder blue Mercedes , the gentle care of Daphne when her mobility was compromised , the way he would lapse into Shangaan and see the joy in the smiling happy responses to it , talking about his art lessons , his entertaining anecdotes to make some point always in a kind way , his willingness to share his knowledge , his humility and dignity will live on in the memories of many of his colleagues .
Brink Family
Vollie Brink .
“ A regular contributor to Plumbing Africa for decades , he provided an engineer ’ s perspective to plumbing and the role of the engineer . His words “ do not do work that you are not qualified for ” rings loudly and will be a lastly expression forever .” Rory Macnamara .
“ Vollie Brink is one of those unique people who make it their mission to improve the industry . For decades , Vollie gave up his personal time and energy in service of that mission . He was always willing to share his vast knowledge and experience with the younger generation and I can say without any doubt that he taught me a lot . The plumbing industry is in a better place thanks to him . On behalf of IOPSA and the industry in general , Vollie has our eternal gratitude . Our deepest condolences go out to all his friends , family and colleagues . Rest in peace , Vollie .” Brendan Reynolds .
“ He was a true and unselfish campaigner for better standards . One example was his tireless efforts to get water supply into a national water regulation and later into the National Building Regulations . It started in the late 1970s as draft National Water regulations . In the early 1990s he was a leading contributor to create SANS 10252 for water supply and drainage for buildings , which subsequently were made regulations in over 60 municipal water bylaws across the country . He used to say that you cannot believe that South Africa is a water scarce country , but it has no water supply in the National Building Regulations . It is a shame on the system that did not , and still does not , appreciate the massive contributions made by many concerned individuals , of which Oom Vollie was one of the foremost ; that here at the end of 2023 and of Oom Vollie ’ s life we still don ’ t have water supply in the National Building Regulations . What a loss for our society is the passing of Oom Vollie . However , he has left a legacy of many younger persons who have benefitted from Oom Vollie ’ s knowledge and passion , who will hopefully work on for the fulfilment of Oom Vollie ’ s ideal . When water finally does come into the National Water Regulations , I hope Oom Vollie ’ s decades of contributions will be acknowledged .” Martin Coetzee .
Continued on page 6
January 2024 Volume 29 I Number 11 www . plumbingafrica . co . za