EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
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in the absence of an executive director. “Steve and Michelle, you
certainly did a sterling job,” Smith said.
IMPROVEMENT IN THE INDUSTRY
Going forward, Smith mentioned that there were clear strategies for
IOPSA. “IOPSA is continuing to drive at bringing back the value of the
plumber.” In doing so, levels of competency and compensation will
improve. Smith highlighted that such improvement would not happen
overnight, adding that the responsibilities of change did not lie with
IOPSA, the president, the executive director, or chairpersons of the
different regions alone, but rather with every individual involved.
“The area through which we will make the biggest difference, is
through knowledge and understanding,” explained Smith. As a result,
IOPSA has committed to address a variety of issues through various
training programmes, including technical, business, and health and
safety training. FEM is also available to provide support to members.
Smith emphasised that IOPSA would be prioritising education and
training in the plumbing industry. Although a lot of progress has
been made, Smith did acknowledge that many challenges still
lay ahead. One of them related to the supply chain and approved
products in the market — which not only have a negative impact
on manufacturers and importers, but plumbers as well. He said that
these, and other challenges, were being addressed. He stressed the
importance of collaboration to overcome challenges and in doing so,
achieve success. “Coming together is a beginning, keeping together
is progress, and working together is success,” he concluded.
SURROUNDED BY EXCELLENCE
After Smith, De Villiers spoke about being successful, not only
in the world of cricket, but in business and life in general. In a
nutshell, he mentioned that it was important for people to surround
themselves with extraordinary mentors who could assist them in
becoming successful in whatever they did. He used some of South
Africa’s best cricketers as an example and explained how they had
been surrounded by excellent mentors from a young age — which
in turn had an impact on their success.
“You always need a mentor somewhere along the line, and not just a
normal mentor. You need a mentor that knows exactly what it takes
to go to the next level of performance,” he said. “We are the mentors
of our industry,” he said. He challenged guests to go the extra mile
in finding out what it takes to get from average to excellence and
influence those around them to also strive for excellence. Another
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June 2018 Volume 24 I Number 4
June 2018 Volume 24 I Number 4