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HEALTH AND SAFETY
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Importance of Professionalism and Trust- Mooi stressed that conducting oneself professionally is crucial in building and maintaining trust with clients.“ Trust is fundamental to any profession, as a breach of trust can lead to the loss of clients, similar to a doctor mis-prescribing medication.” She also pointed out that clients often seek a plumber based on past positive interactions and referrals, underscoring the value of a strong professional reputation.
Women’ s Month and Safety – It is important to focus on the person behind the gender, the real individual who has something to teach us, something to give to the world and a vision to change the world around them. Who is that person to you? If you can think of who that is, take the time to hear their experience, their life lessons and their challenges. Perhaps the information you gather will be as valuable as the direction Mooi received from her champion and role-model, her mom.
Continuous Professional Development and Safety – She highlighted the importance of continuous learning and " skill stacking " to stay updated within the plumbing industry and related sectors. She further said that understanding other trades and safety aspects is part of being a professional, as it demonstrates care and awareness on a job site. Mooi participates in various associations and committees to stay informed about industry changes and broader construction regulations.
Value of Trade Knowledge and Experience- Mooi recounted an experience where her unique trade perspective was valuable in a policy discussion dominated by academics, highlighting the often-overlooked expertise of tradespeople. She used an analogy:“ A client had tried various things to sort their plumbing problem until they eventually gave up and called a professional plumber. The plumber arrived and after a few minutes, tapped here and there, the problem was solved, and the client was billed. The client on receiving the bill was furious, stating that the plumber was only on site for 10 minutes and yet the cost was R800. The plumber then changed the quote, stating, R50 for‘ 10 minutes on site’, R750 for‘ knowing where to tap’."
Mooi hails from Butterworth in the Eastern Cape and became a professional plumber after the amazing example of her mother who was a proud and professional plumber too.
This article is dedicated to Buyiswa Mooi, who passed on the 7th March 2023. In view of Woman’ s Month and in the spirit of the words of Amy Tenney " The world needs strong women. Women who will lift and build others, who will love and be loved, women who live bravely, both tender and fierce, women of indomitable will." Buyiswa Mooi you encompassed the spirit of a‘ Strong Woman’ who lifted up Lorraine to the person she is today.
" Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women."- Maya Angelou PA
This analogy of a plumber charging for " knowing where to tap " illustrates the value of expertise and the knowledge behind seemingly simple tasks. Mooi advises those entering the plumbing profession to understand their reasons for joining and to take their careers seriously, exploring the diverse specialisations within the field.
Plumbing as a Rewarding Vocation- She expressed her strong belief in plumbing as an amazing and fulfilling vocation that can lead to unexpected opportunities. She advises aspiring plumbers to be clear about their career path and to recognise that they are building their own brand through their interactions and professionalism.
Buyiswa Mooi, Lorraine Mooi ' s mother.
She advises aspiring plumbers to be clear about their career path and to recognise that they are building their own brand through their interactions and professionalism.
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline August 2025 Volume 31 I Number 06