REGULARS 3
Tshepang Tsotetsi
Edited by
Megan O’ Connor
Here, we profile Tshepang Tsotetsi – a determined young plumber whose interest in plumbing was sparked through the work his father did and his love for hands-on work.
Tsotetsi is an apprentice from BluLever Education, where he completed his theoretical training and was placed with a plumbing company to complete his practical experience.
“ From a young age, I have always enjoyed working with my hands. I spent much of my time building, repairing and creating small projects, which helped develop my practical skills and attention to detail. My family often remarked that I was‘ back at my mini construction again’ – a reflection of my early interest in hands-on work and problem solving.”
Growing up, Tsotetsi’ s father was involved in property development, and he aspired to follow in his footsteps.“ Being exposed to different properties and watching tradesmen at work sparked my interest in plumbing.”
In aiming to get into property development, he“ realised that understanding one or more trades involved in the business, such as plumbing or electrical, would be a valuable foundation”.
Currently working as a freelance plumber, Tsotetsi lives and works by the motto: Anyone can do it, but doing it right sets you apart.
His best moment on the job“ There was a time when we had a job involving a new kitchen unit, which included installing a kitchen mixer, an under-counter geyser and a wastewater pump. My supervisor at the time did not believe I could handle the task. Later, due to a heavy workload and a tight deadline, my mentor Xolani Mthetwa – who was the manager at the time – decided to take me to the site. I gave it my best, and we were able to complete the job on time.” PA
Tshepang Tsotetsi.
Tsotetsi’ s advice to anyone looking at plumbing as a career
“ Plumbing is not only about toilets; it’ s about much more than that. It plays a vital role in health, hygiene and keeping environments clean and safe.”
Supplied by Tshepang Tsotetsi
What’ s in your toolbox?
By
Megan O’ Connor
We visited Burgess Plumbing and asked the teams of plumbers what their favourite tools are, and which tools in their toolboxes they simply cannot live without. This is part one of two in a series covering Burgess Plumbing.
All images by © Plumbing Africa
Godfrey has multiple tools he can’ t live without – namely his gas pliers, his flat screwdriver and his star screwdriver.“ There’ s alot of things I do in plumbing, like construction jobs and back-up water supply, so I need many different tools.
To Kheto, her gas pliers and her Allen key screwdriver are the most important tools in her toolbox.“ They are so helpful – you cannot do any work without these two tools!”
Mike Aitken, manager at Burgess Plumbing, says his cell phone is his most important tool for his job.“ Without this, I simply cannot work!”
October 2026 Volume 32 I Number 08 www. plumbingafrica. co. za