NEWS

The GIZ-Program Skills Development for a Green Economy (SD4GE) aimed at deepening an understanding of the trends and dynamics of plumbers and electrical contractors in South Africa. The objectives of this study included the imperative to strengthen the range of institutions (public, private and not-for-profit) that impact these trades. An additional aim of the research was to provide an overview of current development in these trades, both at industry level and firm level. The findings are useful for better planning informed by greater awareness of the transformations and changes emerging in the specific contexts of industry.

GIZ/SD4GE commissioned PEM CONSULT and Mesopartner Africa to conduct the industry diagnosis. Dr. Shawn Cunningham and Annelien Cunningham from Mesopartner led and coordinated the industry diagnosis. A team of researchers from TIPS (Trade & Industrial Policy Strategies) conducted research and statistical analysis. The TIPS team included Asanda Fotoyi, Sajid Sherif, Mbofholowo Tsedu while Saul Levin provided policy insight and guidance.

The research would not have been possible without the help and support of the industry bodies and their members. The Institute of Plumbing (SA) (IOPSA) and Plumbing Industry Registration Board (PIRB) contributed and supported the plumbing analysis. Electrical Contractors Association of South Africa (ECASA) and the National Bargaining Council for the Electrical Industry (NBCEI) supported and contributed to the electrical analysis.

The study produced three publicly available reports.

• A first report provides a high-level overview of the available statistics. The research aimed to scan the publicly available statistics to understand better what is available, what is being tracked, and what is changing. This high-level overview also revealed how the two industries are structured, which organisations support these industries and what the dynamics are.
  PDF - 1. Report
• A second report homes in on the plumbing industry-level dynamics. It took the insights from the high-level study further and looked at the key institutions representing the private sector.  A firm-level survey was designed to understand better the challenges confronting company owners, and what pressures they were facing in terms of productivity, market changes and staff. The results of the business owner survey for plumbing contractors are discussed in this report.
  PDF - 2. Report
• A third report homes in on the electrical industry-level dynamics. It took the insights from the high-level study further and looked at the key institutions representing the private sector.  A firm-level survey was designed to understand better the challenges confronting company owners, and what pressures they were facing in terms of productivity, market changes and staff. The results of the business owner survey for electrical contractors are discussed in this report.
  PDF - 3. Report