14 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Tell Me Why
by
Tanya Olckers
During their lunch breaks at college, Fred Schulz and Ronewa Raidani spent their time talking about the plumbing company that they would establish together.
The two friends met at AITF TVET college early one morning in the parking lot. Raidani introduced himself and the pair became quick friends, and now, business partners.
Schulz had spent a great deal of time in the plumbing industry and decided to apply to one of IOPSA’ s ARPL programmes. Raidani, after developing a passion for plumbing, had decided to pursue the career with a view to one day be able to own and maintain his own properties.
In this humble, unexpected way, Compliant Plumbing was born.“ The reason the company is called Compliant Plumbing is because we plan to do everything we do according to South African standards and bylaws- to be compliant,” says Raidani.
“ I would like to see the industry more professionalised,” says Schulz.“ I think it’ s crazy: you need a TV license to buy a TV, but anyone can buy a potential bomb – namely a geyser – and have that installed by an unqualified individual.”
The greatest obstacle the two faced was in getting financing in order to launch their business. Fortunately, they were able to find investors who were able to back their business, which meant they could get their vehicle, equipment and staff as well as that all important first client.
The pair started working together because they discovered that their work styles complemented each other, making them an excellent team. For Raidani, the added benefit of working together was the opportunity to learn from someone who has been in the industry for some time, and who could share both his wisdom and experience.
Sharing wisdom and experience is
( left to right) Fred Schulz and Ronewa Raidani of Compliant Plumbing
something close to Raidani’ s heart.“ I would like to turn others into entrepreneurs and empower the youth with life changing skills,” he says,“ You know: teach people to fish rather than just giving them a fish. We want to change the mindset of people, especially the youth, to see artisan jobs like plumbing as a good, respectable job. There is more to work than being in an office.”
“ Our philosophy is to follow the standards and by-laws,” says Schulz.“ It’ s important to test all your work thoroughly before you leave a site or a job. Comebacks don’ t just affect your bottomline – they also affect your reputation.” PA
© Plumbing Africa www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline June 2025 Volume 31 I Number 04