FITTING THOUGHT 1
What a mess !
“ Business owners remain reluctant to incur more debt , due to the challenges presented by inconsistent policy and regulation , uncertain business conditions and a weak economic outlook , the slow pace of economic reform , unreliable electricity supply , lack of inclusive growth , and weak consumer and business confidence is hindering the need for credit .” – Daily Maverick .
This is a fact , no one can deny . Government is kicking the Covid can down the road and worries about alcohol , but when part of Level 3 is amended the curfew goes to 23.00 , allowing drunkards to drink more and then go a bash someone up , impacting on hospitals . This contorted thinking is reflected in the need for the intro paragraph – such reluctance by business owners has not excluded our industry .
Our project on Hatfield Square shows the investment being made in this sector and the need is great for student accommodation . Tjeka ’ s new training college shows investment in training .
Our feature on domestic solar reveals the same problem as we identified in the heat pump article in February , unqualified people pretending to do plumbing work , now the scourge of most industries employing tradespeople .
Our business section identifies why we must be tougher in tough times and constantly looking to grow . Our contributors continue to share their experience and knowledge . Terry Smith shares his thoughts in a three part series on The Apprenticeship Journey .
We publish part three of the IOPSA / PIRB 2025 strategy calling upon all to take ownership of the industry . Only by doing this and only then will we be able to get rid of the unqualified persons and the consumer ’ s view that cheap is okay .
By now you would have received a request to fill in a reader registration form from both IMD and IOPSA . The Protection of Personal Information ( POPI ) Act comes into force in June . It requires that the publisher ( who sends out ) keeps records where you have given us permission to send the hard copy , and if you so wish , the online newsletters and to store your information .
Yes , Plumbing Africa is given free as part of your membership , but POPIA has changed the responsibility on the publisher now in terms of keeping distribution records .
So please let us have the form back urgently . Those who have registered previously , thank you , and you would have received an update form just to check that your details are correct . PA
Rory
Rory Macnamara , Editor | rory @ interactmedia . co . za
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2021 annual Plumbing Directory published .
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March 2021 Volume 27 I Number 1 www . plumbingafrica . co . za