10 EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Celebrating merit in plumbing industry
The Institute of Plumbing South Africa ( IOPSA ) hosted an awards dinner to honour individuals doing terrific work in the plumbing industry . The event took place at Huddle Park Golf Club on 19 April 2018 .
1 . Michelle van Rensburg ( left ) and Kaela Bell from IOPSA received recognition for their hard work at the institution .
2 . Guests listening attentively to all the speeches .
3 . IOPSA executive director Brendan Reynolds welcoming guests to the awards dinner .
By
Dineo Phoshoko
Retired Proteas cricketer Fanie de Villiers was the host for the evening and kicked off proceedings by welcoming everyone to the event . He acknowledged the Copper Development Association Africa ( CDAA ) and the Plumbing Industry Registration Board ( PIRB ) for being the sponsors of the awards dinner . After all the formalities , IOPSA ’ s executive director , Brendan Reynolds , was called on stage to officially welcome all the guests .
BEING PROACTIVE TO EFFECT CHANGE Reynolds expressed his gratitude to all the guests for attending the awards dinner . He especially welcomed guests who had travelled from other provinces to make it to the event . “ For the people who have travelled far to be here today , thank you very much for making the time and the effort ,” Reynolds said . He also thanked IOPSA ’ s platinum members who were present at the awards dinner and took the opportunity to thank everyone involved in planning and organising the event . “ I think you guys can be really proud of what you ’ ve put together here tonight .”
He concluded his welcoming address with an inspiring speech about being proactive and being active members of society . “ We should all take personal responsibility for making things better ; making our industry better ; making this country better .” During his speech , Reynolds also talked about how IOPSA has transformed into a professional organisation with a massive impact on the industry . “ The people who are receiving awards tonight are the type of people that we need in IOPSA ; the type of people that get things done ,” he added . He concluded by thanking all award recipients for the impact they had on the plumbing industry .
GROWING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH IOPSA president Lea Smith was up next to address the guests . “ Over the past few years , I ’ ve been advocating the fact that IOPSA is the leading body for the plumbing industry . We need to lead the change that we wish to see in our industry .” He also talked about the importance of leadership , adding that leadership was not about a title or designation , but more about impact , influence , and inspiration . “ Impact involves getting results ; influencing is about spreading the passion you have for the work ; and you have to inspire your team mates , customers , and members ,” he explained .
Smith also mentioned that there had been a major shift in the industry over the past six months . “ This might be seen to many as a short-term happening , but truth be told , the true foundation of this journey happened 10 years ago .” According to Smith , IOPSA has moved leaps and bounds in the past year , referring to the appointment of the executive director . During his speech , Smith publicly welcomed Reynolds as the institute ’ s new executive director . He also took the opportunity to thank Steve Brown and Michelle van Rensburg for the role they had played
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June 2018 Volume 24 I Number 4 www . plumbingafrica . co . za