FEATURES 23
6 . What advice would you give to those aspiring to be plumbers or thinking about plumbing as a career ? With the introduction of IOPSA and PIRB into our industry , we have raised the bar to being a respected , professional and controlled industry . An industry that expects nothing less than honesty and excellence . An industry that expects you to better yourself with available training material online and practical courses for CPD . We are an industry that guarantee and honour our quality craftmanship with a COC . This is an industry for people who are not afraid of hard work and late nights . I can make this promise to anyone aspiring to join the industry : if you have a passion for excellence , you will reap the rewards of this industry and become a part of an intellectual and satisfying family .
Nico ’ s story I have been working as a domestic , commercial , industrial and maintenance plumber for the last 25 years . With the birth of IOPSA ( Southern Cape ), I was afforded the privilege to be a part of the committee . Years later , I have also assisted the local plumbers with their PIRB registrations , being a PIRB registered plumber myself ( 0393 / 97 ).
An old sport injury escalated after a car accident in 2022 . After two unsuccessful operations , in January 2023 , the specialist decided it best to amputate my left leg above the knee , due to the deterioration of tissue and muscle mass caused by compromised blood flow . With no medical aid , my current employer and sister , Ebeth and Wynand Vosloo of South Cape Plumbing and Electrical Services immediately started a private fundraiser among family , friends and customers to cover the costs of a prosthetic leg , and took me in to take care of me . An amount of R19 500 was raised .
When Marius van Wyk , ex IOPSA SC Chairman , got word of my medical situation and the fundraiser , he immediately jumped on board , extending the fundraiser to IOPSA , its members and suppliers . An amount of R45 500 was raised . Family of mine , Desiré and Suanda Fouché , whose son is also an amputee , contacted their Orthopedist who didn ’ t hesitate to get involved as a sponsor . The Fouche ’ s also opened their home to me for the duration of my rehabilitation and transported me to all of my appointments .
Marius Moolman of MNP Orthopaedics Inc . didn ’ t only assist by supplying all parts of the prosthetic at cost with no labour charge , but also did a personal donation of R20 000 to upgrade the quoted knee to a better functional knee . Marius Moolman referred me to Annemie Erasmus of Annemie Erasmus Physiotherapy who assisted with my rehabilitation for three weeks , free of charge . That was definitely some of the most challenging weeks of my life , but thanks to Annemie ’ s positive and caring spirit , paired with her expertise in amputee rehabilitation , I managed to walk out of her practice assisted with only one crutch after the three weeks .
Currently , I am safely back in Mossel Bay and back at work . At home , new routines are being shaped daily , from getting dressed to daily chores . Being back at work is challenging , but also exciting . I am learning and accepting my limitations , whilst re-developing old skills that are now affected by mobility . I am also learning when it is easier to remove the prosthetic to get into those hard-to-get positions and spaces that only plumbers understand .
Supplied by Nico Marais
Nico at work .
Unfortunately , my current knee and lack of an ankle only allow me to walk on level terrains , so until I have raised the next R150 000 for an even better knee and ankle , I will not be able to operate on building sites with uneven terrain . But I am staying positive that donations will still come in to better my situation .
Every morning I get up and put on my prosthetic , and my heart overflows with gratitude all over again . Thank you to every person , institute and organisation that contributed to giving me a second chance at life . Thank you for all of your financial and physical support and prayers . I would like to extend my gratitude to the following people and organisations :
• Family , friends and customers
• Desiré and Suanda Fouché
• IOPSA members and plumbing partners
• Mossel Bay Municipality
• Ebeth and Wynand Vosloo – South Cape Plumbing
• Marius van Wyk – Stefmar Plumbing
• Marius Moolman – MNP Orthopaedics Inc . [+ 27 ( 0 ) 41 365 0425 ]
• Annemarie Erasmus – Annemie Erasmus Physiotherapy [+ 27 ( 0 ) 79 176 5656 ] PA
Donations can be paid directly to : MNP Orthopaedics Inc . Practice Number : 087000319473 Business Reg Number : 2003 / 015095 / 21 VAT Number : 4260251758 Tel : + 27 ( 0 ) 41 365 0425 Fax : + 27 ( 0 ) 41 364 3764 Cell : + 27 ( 0 ) 79 784 4002 Email : berenice @ mnporthopaedics . com Banking details Nedbank 1029597642 Newton Park 198765 Reference : 102340 NICO
“ I am staying positive that donations will still come in to better my situation .”
November 2023 Volume 29 I Number 9 www . plumbingafrica . co . za