To kick off Bloemfontein Courant’s Women Month celebrations in August, the publication will acknowledge women in the city who are doing exceptionally well in their respective industries and careers.
Qualified plumbers, Annica de Villiers and Jacolene (Jackie) Botha, are good friends who admire each other for their individual skill and workmanship, in addition to sharing the same passion for what they do. Their journeys as plumbers started on different paths, yet they share similar experiences.
They mentioned that navigating a male-dominated industry as a woman presents its own set of challenges. Botha, who drew inspiration from helping her dad fix everything he needed to when she was younger, is proud of her job despite the challenges.
“You have to fight the battles even harder to prove a point, and let’s be honest, some men in this industry don’t like to be proven wrong. As long as you can think outside of the box, work with your hands, then you are all good, but come on … We just do it better,” she said.
De Villiers, who founded her own business, Aqua Queen Plumbing, highlighted that there are moments where she feels underestimated despite her being in the industry since 2012.
“These challenges have been a driving force behind my success. In 2022, I took on a significant role as a Senior Plumber at Loch Logan Waterfront, where I had the privilege of working alongside skilled professionals. This experience deepened my expertise in construction plumbing and inspired me to establish my own company,” said De Villiers.
Their advice for women who aspire to become plumbers is that they must just do it and not let anyone stand in their way.
“Do it for yourself and no one else! Everyone can be a plumber, but to be the best plumber, that’s where it gets tricky. It is not always easy and for sure not always messy, but hey, you need to have a stomach of steel sometimes. Actually, it is a hell of a ride and a lot of fun!” advised Botha.
As an entrepreneur, De Villiers advised that perseverance is crucial. “The journey is demanding, requiring meticulous planning and hard work. However, with determination and resilience, it is achievable. Ignore the naysayers, believe in yourself, and success will follow,” she concluded.
Gypseenia Lion
