FITTING THOUGHT 1
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The act of compelling observance !
By
Rory Macnamara
Let us acknowledge all those who observe the law .
Besides the flood of non-compliant products and non-qualified people doing plumbing work , the greatest failure in this country – politics excluded – is the lack of enforcement of laws pertaining to plumbing and , I am sure , many other trades and professions .
The headline says it all , the act of compelling observance . This is not optional – unless one feels like doing it and disregarding the law – hence , acknowledging those that adhere to compliance .
It is not for a lack of laws – for example , laws such as designing and installing according to SANS 10252 , 10254 or 10400 : P , and others related to plumbing and water .
It stems from the lawlessness that this country has allowed to develop in every aspect and the disrespect shown to those who do practice professionally .
Our Executive Director speaks of non-compliance in this issue , as we have many times before . The Consumer Protection Act does not receive the attention it deserves but it has enormous power , as we saw with the peanut butter story and some others .
So , now , do we tackle the Commission to withdraw illegal geysers and non-compliant products ?
IOPSA technical is doing excellent work in bringing attention , formally , to the NRCS . Thanks to those on the ground who keep the technical division up to date with non-compliance . It does not go unnoticed , and we will keep on pushing . While they continue to repeat “ one may not install A , B and C ”, this falls on deaf ears because of a lack of enforcement . The raid on the illegal geyser company where all geysers were confiscated have the geysers still being held under lock and key due for destruction . Whether this is because the ‘ refurbisher ’ is fighting the issue or not , no more progress has been made .
There is a rumour , and one hopes it is a rumour , that the DTIC or some other government department wants to use members of the SANDF at ports and borders of entry to check for non-compliant and illegal product . Well it is a sort of war , I expect , but will they be trained to identify the right from the wrong ? Doubtful , but that is the job of customs officials who should be properly trained .
Recently , 15 merchants and manufacturers signed a pledge of compliance – an IOPSA initiative still ongoing as there are some major players not on the list . Plumbing Africa and Plumbing Travelling Exhibitions ( PTE ) only allow approved SANS products to be advertised and displayed . All of these little actions will build up to awareness . IOPSA ’ s outreach through social media to the consumer must be having an effect .
Morally it is wrong to sell someone a non-compliant product just as it is to do plumbing work when not qualified to do so , nevermind the fact that this is breaking the law . But as our law enforcement by the authorities is non-existent , it is no surprise that we are in the mess we are in , as are other sectors of the building industry .
The focus now is back to the Consumer Protection Act , as the fight is one of unfair competition in many ways and perhaps the time has come for the professional industry to engage competition lawyers to pick this up . A serious thought ! PA
Rory
Rory Macnamara , Editor | Email : rory @ interactmedia . co . za
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May 2024 Volume 30 I Number 3 www . plumbingafrica . co . za