PERSONALITY PROFILE
the industry; they had been in plumbing for many years and provided
a school so to speak, where one can learn quickly through their
support and advice.
TRANSFORMATION MUST BE ON THE AGENDA
Mokawane’s view is that transformation must be practised
without fear or favour in both government and the private sector,
and we must get involved and embrace it in both our actions and
in our agendas — if it is not on the agenda then it is not going to
get the necessary attention.
One place where you see transformation, and it can realistically
be achieved, is in our sports. Whether we like it or not, our sports
create much-needed unity in South Africa. When you accept
that transformation is possible and can be successful, there is
no reason it cannot work in every industry in South Africa, and
plumbing is no different.
“In addressing transformation, I would like to achieve equality. And
when we talk about equality it has to also represent what is happening
on the ground. Unfortunately, at this time, transformation is still crawling
in the general context, but we will get there by keeping it top of mind
and continuing discussions around it but this can’t happen if it’s not
on the list of topics we need to address continuously. We must of
course look at all people from disadvantaged communities but more
specifically women, because women also form part and parcel of
transformation in South Africa,” says Mokawane.
“I am happy that IOPSA has recognised me as an example, yes
through transformation, but also very importantly through merit.
To date, there has been a stigma for the industry that plumbing
must be done by a man; however, there are many women that
want to be a part of the industry and need intervention and
opportunities, and we need to create these opportunities and
provide the support, as well as provide a level of comfort. The
reality is that I have seen for myself that women participate
in training, digging trenches like a man, laying pipes like a
man, and you can clearly see that most of these women in
the plumbing space are doing their jobs wholeheartedly. They
want to achieve their goals. This is the spirit we should target
because the level of commitment of an individual is what
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creates success or failure, irrespective of race or gender,”
Mokawane says.
SERVICE, HUMBLENESS, AND MENTORING
One of Mokawane’s principles is that when he enters a client’s
property, the client must consider him as a professional plumber
and this can only be achieved by the client seeing professionalism,
service delivery, and excellent workmanship, no matter who the
client or what site you work on.
Mentoring is a tool that must be offloaded to the upcoming
plumbing companies and plumbers. It creates trust, as you are
able to support by answering any questions, advising on rates and
installation methods, customer skills, and so on, and you assist the
small-business owners to grow their business in a professional way.
Humbleness is all about getting the business — if you want the
business you need to humble yourself and you must understand
your client’s needs and you must ensure you give the client the best
possible service.
HELPING OTHERS THROUGH EXPERIENCE
Mokawane continues, “My philosophy is that my greatest education
comes from the school of hard knocks; trying, failing, and trying again,
and this is what has best qualified me to be in the position I am in today.”
What is critically important in his opinion is compliance, and in order
for a plumber to be considered legitimate, they need to be registered
with the Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB), they must have
the necessary qualifications, they need to continue to learn, and
must be professional in every way — “have a dedicated uniform,
marked bakkie, treat your client with respect, and help them to feel
comfortable that they are letting you into their property — because
you don’t want them to think you are there to bomb their house,”
Mokawane laughs, gesturing from some of his experiences.
“You know, to be honest, I compare myself with a doctor. A doctor
is a qualified professional and holds a practice number. I am a
qualified professional and hold a registration number. I am a doctor
in plumbing and by following best practices, being compliant, your
clients will take you seriously in terms of your quotes, rates, and
advice,” he concludes. PA
The Personality Profile is sponsored by Geberit
www.plumbingafrica.co.za
May 2019 Volume 25 I Number 3