ASSOCIATIONS 3
From the executive director
By
Steve Brown, executive director, IOPSA
As an industry, we have a huge responsibility in terms of the health and safety of our nation – water and sanitation, above all else, is the backbone of any nation.
There are compulsory standards that apply to every aspect of plumbing, but we have lost control. As I write this, Knysna is down to nine days of potable water, and during peak holiday periods, beaches are closed due to E. coli in the water. This has an adverse effect on the economy – we can blame local authorities, but we must ask ourselves one question:“ What are we doing?”
Being silent is not an option. Using compliant products and conducting installations in accordance with relevant standards is vital for sustainable businesses and our environment. We need to be part of the solution and not the problem.
Further education and training is a key element to sustainability – having the knowledge to advise the consumer on what products and systems are needed, coming from a point of strength and knowledge, is vital.
Cross connections between stormwater and sewer are a major contributor to pollution in our rivers currently, so why not on future call outs conduct a visual inspection and advise the consumer of potential risk?
When I look at complaints received and information provided to us, I am amazed by the number of companies that could have brought the consumers’ attention to non-compliance but chose not to – whether this is due to ignorance of the relevant applicable standard or staff just not being taught to identify the potential for add-on work, I am not sure. The work is right in front of you, and yet the majority do not see it.
Has anyone ever sat down and worked out the cost of a comeback?
In a recent complaint that we dealt with, a plumber had been back to site three times, and the installation was still dangerous. In fact, the plumber could have been sued for thousands of rands if the geyser had fallen off the wall. Let’ s apply due diligence and see noncompliance as an opportunity. The cost in terms of the comeback was huge, as well as the reputational damage.
IOPSA hosts many training seasons to assist in upskilling. As a member, use this opportunity.
Take care. PA
Steven brown, executive director of IOPSA.
© Plumbing Africa
REGULARS 3
Can you fix it?
Can you fix this? Please send pictures of your strange adventures in plumbing to us on megan @ interactmedia. co. za with the subject line: Can You Fix It Submission. Include any details you can and let us know if you fixed it – and let us see the before and after pictures. PA
All images supplied by Jacques Rudman
March 2026 Volume 32 I Number 01 www. plumbingafrica. co. za