BUSINESS AND TRAINING 13
Women on Site
by
Submitted by BluLever Education, edited by Tanya Olckers
In an industry long dominated by men, women like Lindelwa Sithole are proving that skill, hard work and resilience are what truly matter. A 25-yearold plumbing apprentice at WBHO Services and a member of BluLever Education’ s Gamechangers cohort, Lindelwa’ s journey is an inspiring testament to how women are changing the narrative on construction sites. Lindelwa tells her story in her own words.
To be honest, I never thought I would become a plumber. I didn’ t even realise it was an option for women. I used to think plumbing was just about fixing leaks and unclogging drains— until I discovered it was much more than that.
When I first arrived at BluLever Education, I wasn’ t sure I wanted to go through with it, especially when I heard we’ d be spending a month at camp. I wanted to run for my life! But a few months in, I learned how essential plumbing is to clean water and sanitation. I also fell in love with working with my hands, solving problems and making a real difference.
All images supplied by BluLever Education
At first, stepping into a male-dominated field was intimidating. I didn’ t see many women like me, and that made me feel like I didn’ t belong. But over time, I realised that skills and hard work matter far more than stereotypes. Now, I can’ t imagine doing anything else.
The biggest challenge was the stereotype that plumbing is a man’ s job. Comments like that used to get to me. During my early workplace-based learning, I felt like I had to prove myself even more than the men around me. Some doubted I was strong enough, while others questioned my ability, forgetting that I was there to learn just like everyone else.
Future fixer Lindelwa
" I made it a point to learn as much as I could, ask questions, and step out of my comfort zone."
It was frustrating because I had to work twice as hard just to be given the same opportunities. But instead of giving up, I used their doubts to fuel my motivation. I made it a point to learn as much as I could, ask questions and step out of my comfort zone. Over time, my team started to see me as a capable worker, not just a woman in a“ man’ s job”. Looking back now, I see those challenges as a way to pave the path for other women who want to enter the industry.
One situation that stands out was when my team and I were tasked with installing a below-ground drainage pipe. It was a tough job that required lifting a heavy 110mm pipe, and even I had my doubts. Before I even got started, one of my male teammates
May 2025 Volume 31 I Number 03 www. plumbingafrica. co. za