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FEATURES
Every day you can set your watch to 07:00 , and watch as he starts his vehicle and heads to the local supply store .
He is always ready with advice and “ how to ” knowledge that he freely gives to all of the younger plumbers . This is wisdom and knowledge gained over a 55-year career that you could not find in any book , code or online video . His dedication to his trade is what inspires me to get up every day and never stop learning , improving myself and those around me .
In the beginning of 2022 , I was elected as vice chairman of the Southern Cape Region of IOPSA . Due to unforeseen circumstances , our chairman had to step down . At the time , Steve Brown and Gerrie Botha came to the region to assist where they could . I informed them that I was not ready to take over as chairman due to a large workload , and not knowing the intricacies of navigating the politics of plumbing in the IOPSA organisation .
Gerrie Botha then , with the blessing of Steve Brown , offered to mentor me and give guidance where needed . Earlier this year , Gerrie took off the training wheels and handed the reins to me and my committee . We are now independent and are building our confidence and cohesion in our plans to grow and develop the Southern Cape region to its fullest potential . The region has grown by six members in the past year and plumbers ’ evenings are gaining traction again . We are also hosting training days in areas that have not had the strongest participation in the past .
What continues to drive me is the willingness to learn every day – the plumbing trade is continuously evolving , and new technology is always making the application and installation of plumbing in both the domestic and commercial environments a dynamic animal .
My advice to anyone aspiring to be a plumber : Always stay humble and be willing to learn . Be willing to take criticism and learn to take
Japie and JP Strydom .
the positive from it . Always thrive to better yourself by reading and being a student of the trade . You must be willing to learn one thing every day , whether from a book or the labourer on the ground . Be willing to make mistakes and learn from them , so as to grow your experience and knowledge base .
“ What continues to drive me is the willingness to learn every day .”
Editor ’ s comment Our congratulations to Juan-Pierre for being elected Chairman of the Southern Cape Region of IOPSA . We wish him and his committee every success . PA
www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline October 2023 Volume 29 I Number 8