LAST WORD REVISITED !
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“ Social media has role to play if used for the objective it was designed .”
Here we go again !
By
Rory Macnamara
Just when we all thought our industry had settled down and was working together for the common good , someone , somewhere blows a hole in it and has people running around focusing , not on plumbing matters , but on irresponsible statements that are far from truthful and a dubious interpretation of both the law and standards .
Everyone has an opinion and a view , and is perfectly entitled to express it , but in the correct forum and within the bounds of what is allowable .
In this case , a ‘ document ’ was sent to the Chairperson of a committee by an individual who serves on that committee . So far so good . The content was libellous to certain members of this committee ; the context was misplaced , and the references either displayed ignorance of the law , or the selection of references were so isolated as to only to serve this individual ’ s questionable argument , that were it not so serious it would be laughable .
So , how do some of us in industry know about this ? Well , the individual placed the entire communication on a social media platform which blew confidentiality out of the window and a bunch of people shaking their heads in wonder at the silliness of such an irresponsible action .
Again , an embarrassment such as this to our industry is not the first time plumbing has been embarrassed on social media .
Our official bodies and this publication have requested meetings to resolve the queries . Zero response . Why , one must ask ? Is it easier to misuse social media than to have a face-to-face meeting to have a mature and intelligent discussion and work together for our industry ?
Social media has role to play if used for the objective it was designed , and such platforms must be encouraged . But breaking the confidentiality of a committee at the high level this committee functions at , is unforgiveable .
We trust the committee ’ s mother body will take the necessary action , failing which , it will undermine itself and leave itself open to some harsh criticism . PA
November 2020 Volume 26 I Number 09 www . plumbingafrica . co . za