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NEWS
Protecting the trade
By By Dineo Phoshoko
The Institute of Plumbing South Africa (IOPSA), together with
DPI Plastics, hosted the Gauteng plumbers evening at DPI’s new
HDPE factory adjacent to the original manufacturing facility in
Roodekop, Gauteng. It was an evening for plumbers to network
and learn more about the industry and the manufacturer.
The vice chair of IOPSA Gauteng region, Dean Cane,
said the event was the first of its kind and provided
an opportunity for plumbers to share ideas. “It’s an
educational and networking event,” explained Cane.
The event was also a way of IOPSA finding ways
to assist plumbers with tools and information to
improve their businesses.
The event started with a tour of the new DPI Plastics
high-density polyethylene (HDPE) factory, where
attendees, mostly plumbers, got to see how the pipes
are made. The factory manufactures durothene-
branded HDPE pressures pipes, which can be used in
civil engineering, building, and mining, among others.
Products manufactured at DPI’s factories adhere to
the South African National Standards (SANS) and
internationally recognised standards, such as ISO 9001.
DPI Plastics also has a manufacturing facility in Bellville,
Cape Town.
During the tour, attendees saw the entire manufacturing
process of HDPE pipes, from the raw materials to
processing and the end product. The HDPE pipes come
in a variety of sizes, ranging from 16mm to 1 000mm.
Attendees were also treated to a PVC extrusion and
injection moulding tour.
After the tours, IOPSA hosted a session where several
presentations relevant to the plumbing industry were
held. DPI Plastics technical and product manager Renier
Snyman started off the proceedings with a presentation
on the benefits of using quality PVC sewer products.
One of the points that Snyman touched on was the
Acts, regulations, and standards related to the products.
Emphasis was placed on always ensuring that all
installations adhere to industry standards.
Debbie Donaldson, a leadership consultant from
‘Because you’re worth it’, followed with a presentation on
skills development and opportunities within the industry.
Her presentation highlighted the importance of mentoring
and upskilling young up-and-coming plumbers. “IOPSA
will provide shared support services and they will access
governance — they’ll show you how to do it, what to do,
A few of the IOPSA members who attended the plumbers evening event.
July 2017 Volume 23 I Number 5
www.plumbingafrica.co.za