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FEATURES
plumber with the PIRB and the eThekwini municipality. I am a senior plumber and director at Afriplumb Projects,” she says,“ I am whatever my team and client needs. I am a plumber, I am a team leader, I am an assistant and an advisor. I am a marketing assistant with the IOPSA KZN exco team. And I am an all-around voice for breaking barriers.”
Kuvanya Chetty
Chetty has always been hands-on when it comes to work and when the chance to become a plumber came around, she took it and it became a passion.
“ My father is my ultimate inspiration,” she reveals,“ As a pioneer in his own trade as a master electrician he has taught me so much about hard work, commitment and perseverance. He challenges himself and me every day to be better than yesterday. Not just at work but in life and every role taken up. He has made me who I am. And continues to teach me who I wish to become.”
She describes the people she has met through her work as a highlight in her job.“ My IOPSA team is always ready to put up their hands in difficult times. Especially Steve our ED, Mehen( IOPSA KZN chairman) and Mannie. These guys have given me a voice!”
Nicolette du Rand is the CEO of SYR Southern Africa. She leads the company’ s strategy, operations and customer engagement, with a focus on delivering innovative water safety and valve solutions.
Her core priorities include upholding product quality, fostering integrity and building strong, long-term relationships within the South African plumbing market.
Nicolette du Rand
She didn’ t intend to enter the industry but stepped up to assist her father who founded Apex Valves SA. She spent years working her way up, growing in experience and developing a deep appreciation
for the technical side of the business and the impact quality products have on people’ s lives.“ Now, 23 years later, I’ m still passionate about the valve industry and the value it brings to everyday infrastructure,” she says.
She is inspired by progress, whether that involves solving complex business challenges, launching a product that truly makes a difference, or watching individuals grow into the best versions of themselves.“ It’ s the journey of continuous improvement that motivates me most,” she says.“ I’ ve had my share of‘ are you sure you know what you’ re doing?’ moments— often from those surprised to see a woman discussing valves and water pressure with confidence. While those assumptions can be frustrating, they’ ve become both fuel for motivation and great stories to share as I continue to challenge outdated perceptions in the industry.”
Lwazi Lutya is an inspirational young woman, a licensed plumber, plumbing influencer and production and installation technician for Enviro-Loo.“ This is my dream job,” she says,“ I chose to go into this line of work because it has broadened my plumbing experience in that I get the chance to change lives in rural areas. I give back by bringing safe sanitation to rural schools.”
Lwazi Lutya
At one time, Lutya lost everything as a business owner. However, she credits her plumbing qualification for keeping her on her feet and allowing her to get back to work.
“ What inspires me is my walk with God,” she says,“ He protects me, He provides for me, and He uplifts. I wake up every day with joy because He keeps me going and gives me breakthroughs.”
One of her wishes was to work in a water treatment plant. She also hoped to travel in her line of work, and she has always had a passion for bringing good sanitation to rural areas. She decided to turn to prayer.“ I thought I would get one of those things, but I got more,” she says,“ I got all I asked for all combined. I get to be a plumber that travels all over the country giving good water and sanitation to rural schools.”
Marlise van Aswegen is the operations manager at the Plumbing Industry Registration Board( PIRB).“ I’ ve been part of the PIRB team since 2009 and, through the work I do, I have had the privilege of contributing to the growth and professionalisation of the plumbing trade and industry in South Africa,” she says.
Marlise van Aswegen
Van Aswegen started out in hotel management and then explored construction and property development. She trained as an assistant quantity surveyor. This eventually brought her to the plumbing sector.
“ I’ m deeply inspired by the people in the South African plumbing industry,” she says,“ We’ re fortunate to have leaders who not only excel professionally but are also grounded, generous and willing to share their knowledge and who uplift and help others develop. Their passion for their trade and industry, as well as their commitment to and building an improved industry, is what drives me. Some of the most intellectual and driven people I have met, are from the plumbing trade and industry.”
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2025 Volume 31 I Number 06