44 LAST WORD
No time for complacency
As we all exit the fourth wave of the dreaded Covid and the relaxed protocols issued by Government , it is time to be more aware that this virus is still with us .
No one can afford to relax on the remaining protocols especially for all those involved in our industry .
Our day-to-day contact with suppliers , colleagues and customers continues and the virus sits waiting for the slightest sign of dropping our guard and we can find ourselves taking a couple of steps back and forbid , lockdowns again .
Our industry has suffered through the last two years , not only with the virus but the decline in economic activity before Covid . Government has just not put its money , sorry our money , where its mouth is as regards infrastructure spend , so we remain in some sort of limbo .
We need to sell ourselves and the service we offer as an essential service and not sit waiting for ‘ that call which means we exist hand to mouth rather than businesspeople making profit . By growing the business , we employ more people providing them with income and developing them . That is what capitalism is about , not just profit , but being part of the bigger picture . As has been said so many times , government must enable business , not control it . See what happens when they control it – State Capture !
Capitalism is not a dirty word if one must apologise for making a profit , capitalism is growth , providing jobs , feeding people and families and for all to enjoy a better life .
The State Capture reports , whilst confirming what we all already knew , has officially put the cat amongst the pigeons with expected denials , denials , and more denials .
Those who only see capitalism as profit have blinkers on and will never want this view to be changed as it affects their questionable narrative .
“ Plumbing is an essential service ”
Our only hope is that the guilty are jailed and as much money as possible recovered to kick start the economy again .
But where does this leave our industry ? Plumbing is an essential service and in February we wrote about preventive plumbing instead of waiting for the ‘ emergency ’ situation but to develop a relationship with customers by correctly using social media and business networks to grow our customer base and learn how to retain our customers . We need to be above the rest and as the rest improve themselves , make sure we stay ahead of the pack , and by doing so we all grow our businesses .
So , as plumbers we must run businesses and be proud of the service we offer as well as the training plumbers go through and have the right to charge a commensurate fee for the service .
The industry has gone through a torrid time , let us learn from this time and grow from it rather than dwelling on it .
Be a proud plumber . PA
Rory Macnamara
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www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline March 2022 Volume 28 I Number 1