16 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Tell Me Why
By
Tanya Olckers
Annica de Villiers did not intend on becoming a plumber , but as a young person needing work she stumbled upon a plumbing apprenticeship , which has shaped her life in unexpected ways .
Like many women in various trades , De Villiers has been underestimated . Instead of allowing this to get her down , she uses these challenges to fuel her passion and determination . “ It ’ s become a defining aspect of my journey , shaping me into the plumber I am today ,” she says .
Her journey towards becoming a plumber was unexpected . When in need of a job , she found that her only option at the time was a plumbing apprenticeship . She hasn ’ t looked back since . “ I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason ,” she says .
Commitment to community is important to her as well . Every month Annica devotes some of her time to pro-bono work for people in her community . “ Many people don ’ t realise how many individuals cannot afford plumbing services ,” she says , “ I prioritise kindness over success , believing that sometimes people just need a helping hand . Through plumbing , I can extend that help to those who truly need it .”
Annica sees plumbing as challenging work , regardless of a person ’ s gender . She says , “ It demands significant personal time , but the rewards are immense . Even after years in the field , I continue to learn something new every day , which keeps the job fresh and exciting .”
She acknowledges that many women in male dominated fields such as plumbing face scepticism . However , she is grateful for the male plumbers that she has worked with , seeing it as a significant contribution to her development . “ My colleague , in particular , is my right hand and has been instrumental in my success .” PA
Annica approaches her work from a place of kindness .
What was your funniest experience as a plumber ? “ One standout experience involved a blocked drain . After about an hour of struggling , we discovered a complete wig with dreadlocks lodged in the pipes . It ’ s a story that still makes me laugh !”
Image by Annica de Villiers www . plumbingafrica . co . za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline April 2025 Volume 31 I Number 02