Road Show Eastern Cape

Road Show Eastern Cape 

 

The PIRB’s trip to the Eastern Cape started off at the second-best surfing destination in the world, Jeffreys Bay. “J-Bay” On Tap was host to the PIRB on the 25th of July, and we had wonderful interactions with some remarkable individuals within the industry. Plumbers showed up in their numbers, to show their support and continued commitment to growing the plumbing industry. A hot topic of discussion remains the SANS 10254 being written out of the standards (link) recently. This is indeed very contentious and there are varying opinions out there. In Jeffreys Bay, however, the overwhelming majority of the plumbers we spoke to believe in the importance of having a COC in place and they offered encouragement in their willingness to continue issuing COC’s as an industry standard.

 

The next day, 26th of July, we took the Plumbing Industry Show to the windy city of Gqeberha. In Gqeberha, we had completely different experience compared to Jeffreys Bay. South Africa’s high unemployment rate always becomes apparent in unexpected instances. PIRB set up a stall in the heart of Gqeberha at Build IT, and every second individual we interacted with, asked if this could mean a job opportunity for them. We explained the great opportunities that exist within the plumbing industry, and trades to a larger extent. We explained the great need for skills within trades and the importance of becoming qualified plumbers and becoming active of this great industry. 

 

The Eastern Cape played a great host to the PIRB but also showed us how much work still needs to be done in ensuring the continued growth of the industry. We have a greater responsibility in encouraging individuals to become a part of this industry that can help bridge the huge unemployment gap we find ourselves in.  

Written by Keke Khabele