EVENTS AND EXHIBITIONS
to travel to different areas to see the IOPSA members and
to promote IOPSA to new members. It was at times painful
— we drove long hours and when we got to the venues, we
sat wondering if our plans and intentions would ever come
together. Things didn’t change for quite a number of years
because there was a lot of resistance from big players in
the industry and that forced us to ask ourselves if we are
doing the right thing, but having a look around the room
tonight, it warms my heart to say that we have come a very
long way. The industry has really grown, and it continues
to grow, and based on the hard work of the people from
the beginning, anyone who does not want to be a part of
this organisation and what it is doing, is the one who is
not doing the right thing. Today we sit and enjoy the fruits
of the past efforts to make the industry what it is today. I
thank you for the opportunity to be a part of the evening
and I hope that in another 30 years, people can look back
at the works we have achieved now as we are looking
forward to the future. The IOPSA team continues to really
take the industry seriously,” Naidu concluded.
After the lovely buffet dinner, it was time to announce the
winners of the year. Steve Brown and Lea Smith presented the
awards, assisted by Bianca Brown. The winners per category
were as follows:
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Plumber of the Year: Deon Nel
Auditor of the Year: Robert Schoeman
Industry Lady of the Year: Lorraine Mooi
IOPSA Region of the Year: Southern Cape
Merchant of the Year: Plumblink
Manufacturers of the Year: Kwikot and Hansgrohe
Innovative Product of the Year: Wattapac
Training Provider of the Year: PCD College.
As an additional prize for the Plumber of the Year as well as the
Auditor of the Year, it was announced that these two winners
would also receive a sponsorship to attend the World Plumbing
Conference in Melbourne, Australia, in September this year.
The Plumber of the Year will be sponsored by the PIRB,
and IOPSA will sponsor the Auditor of the Year. Additionally,
Wattapac gave the Plumber of the Year a 200ℓ Wattapac.
After the awards had concluded, attendees enjoyed some
sweet treats as well as networking opportunities, sharing
stories of the industry as well as solutions to the challenges
they faced in their working days, and even new business ideas.
Don't miss out on the next event that promises to be bigger
and better, with more achieved in this exciting industry that has
moved far away from just pipes and fittings. PA
May 2019 Volume 25 I Number 3