ASSOCIATIONS 3
From the executive director
By
Steve Brown, executive director of IOPSA
A very happy new year to our members and industry participants – I wish you all the best for what I believe will be a tough 2026, but nothing we cannot handle. So, let’ s make sure we make 2026 memorable for all the right reasons.
IOPSA will continue with our MEMBERS FIRST campaign, which focuses on real pain points and tackles these challenges head-on, without fear or favour. Compliance will also be a key focal point – we took huge strides in 2025, and we will continue to ensure that the risks associated with noncompliance are brought to the fore through accountability – in essence, protecting the consumer.
From the level of complaints we receive, business training will be a key focal point. There is some great work being done in this space and I believe more emphasis is required – my only request to our members is to support and participate. If there are topics you would like us to develop, please let us know.
We will continue to add exclusive benefits for our members and work closer with all stakeholders, whether in the marketing or training environment.
We hope that our new mental health programme takes traction, and that we can do away with the stigma surrounding mental health.
Remember to use your benefits of being an IOPSA member to transform yourself and your team. Thank you for your continued support.
Take care, and let’ s MAKE IT HAPPEN TOGETHER.
© Plumbing Africa
I would like to recognise and thank all our regional exco members for their sheer passion and commitment to our industry. They, as a collective, are phenomenal and dedicated. Our staff continue to go above and beyond; it is a such great position to be in when you headup a team of make-it-happen people, and I am proud of each and every one of them. There have been some long nights and weekends worked, and tight deadlines met.
I cannot promise that 2026 will not have any challenges for our industry and that it will be smooth-sailing, but what I can promise is that working together across all sectors, we will, as a collective, make a difference to our industry. I can also promise that IOPSA will deliver. I look forward to providing feedback from our strat session.
Steve Brown, executive director of IOPSA.
“ I cannot promise that 2026 will not have any challenges for our industry, but I can promise that working together across all sectors, we will, as a collective, make a difference to our industry.”
January 2026 Volume 31 I Number 11 www. plumbingafrica. co. za