14 BUSINESS AND TRAINING
Breaking barriers: Reabetswe Keeme’ s plumbing journey
By
BluLever Education, edited by Megan O’ Connor
Reabetswe Keeme, part of the Adventure Seekers cohort, is steadily building her place in the plumbing industry through determination and a willingness to step up when it matters most.
All images supp lied by BluLever Education
Like many women entering the trades, her early experiences were shaped by limited opportunities and underlying bias.
“ One of the biggest challenges I faced was not being given the same opportunities as the men. Some wouldn’ t let me do the harder work, and others didn’ t take the time to teach me properly. I think it came from the stereotype that women can’ t handle physically demanding tasks.”
This lack of opportunity was frustrating, especially for someone eager to learn.“ It made me feel like I wasn’ t learning as much as I should have, because I came into this wanting to gain real skills and grow.”
Instead of stepping back, she leaned in.“ I had to be persistent and sometimes even force my way into doing the hard labour. I kept asking questions, volunteering myself for tasks, and showing that I’ m capable. Over time, that helped me gain more hands-on experience and also changed how some people saw me.”
Currently working with Drainmen / AquaTech Plumbing, her journey reflects not only personal growth, but also a broader shift in how women are perceived in the trades.
Her introduction to plumbing began at home, in a simple but defining moment:“ My journey into plumbing started at home when I helped my mom unblock a drain. It might sound like a small thing, but that moment really stuck with me. I remember feeling proud that I could actually fix something myself, and from then on I knew I wanted to become a plumber.”
Entering the field, she quickly became aware of the realities of a male-dominated industry.“ At first, it was a bit intimidating because I knew people might doubt me or not take me seriously. But over time, that feeling changed. It actually motivated me to work harder and prove that I belong here just as much as anyone else.”
As she grew more confident in her abilities, her perspective began to shift.“ Now, I see it differently. When clients see a woman on the team, it sometimes puts them at ease or even surprises them in a good way. It feels like people are starting to realise that women are also capable in this industry.”
For Keeme, the work has taken on a deeper meaning beyond just technical skill.“ For me, it’ s not just about doing the job anymore. It’ s also about opening doors and showing other young girls that they can do anything they put their minds to, even if it’ s something that’ s not traditionally seen as‘ for women’.”
One moment, in particular, stands out as a turning point:“ There was a time on site when we needed to take a leak detection gas cylinder out of the van. It’ s quite heavy, and the guys immediately assumed I wouldn’ t be able to carry it. They didn’ t even ask me – they just wanted to sideline me.”
Rather than accepting that decision, she chose to act.“ I spoke up and insisted on doing it. I pushed myself and carried the cylinder out just like everyone else. It wasn’ t about the cylinder anymore, it was about showing that I’ m just as capable.”
That moment shifted how she was seen on site.“ In the end, I was able to do it, and I think it changed how some of them saw me. Moments like that helped me build confidence and slowly earn respect. It reminded me that sometimes you have to stand up for yourself, because no one is going to hand you the opportunity.”
Beyond the challenges, the rewards of the trade have been significant.“ One of the most rewarding aspects of working in this industry for me has been the opportunity to travel across the country. I’ ve been able to experience different places, work on different sites and meet all kinds of people. It has really helped me grow both personally and professionally.”
Keeme’ s presence on site has also contributed to a shift in workplace dynamics.“ In some environments, especially in maintenance, clients feel more comfortable when they see a woman on the team. It also helps challenge the mindset that this kind of work is only for men.”
www. plumbingafrica. co. za @ plumbingonline @ plumbingonline @ PlumbingAfricaOnline June 2026 Volume 32 I Number 04