Sizabantu Piping Systems has recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary. What has changed in piping systems over the past 20 years?

Sizabantu Piping Systems was established in 2002 as a Marley Pipe Systems BBBEE initiative to focus on the marketing and distribution of plastic piping solutions in Southern Africa. WASA catches up with Don Coleman, managing director of Sizabantu Piping Systems.

Sizabantu Piping Systems has recently celebrated its 20^th anniversary. What has changed in piping systems over the past 20 years?

The Southern African piping industry has undergone many changes. Original, larger traditional manufacturers in the plastic pipe industry, or founding members, have been slow in repositioning and adapting their operations to meet the rapidly changing market dynamics. They have been further hampered by their costly corporate structures that reduced their competitiveness. Other factors influencing the industry has been easy access to low-cost manufacturing equipment, which lowers the barrier to entry and encourages leaner newcomers to enter.

The traditional customer base in certain markets has also changed with the introduction of the government procurement policies. There has also been the development and introduction of new piping technologies. Plastic pipes can now be manufactured with larger diameters and this has allowed the plastic pipe, for the first time, to compete against traditional piping materials. Higher nominal working pressure bulk water piping can now be produced locally.

What trends have you observed around piping systems?

There is a constant improvement in the quality and durability of plastic piping products to better withstand the harsh weather conditions and extreme temperatures that are often present in South Africa. Additionally, there is an increasing interest in the use of plastic piping for industrial and agricultural applications, such as irrigation and wastewater management.

This is supported by a high level of investment and continuous development to ensure that engineering, user and environmental needs are continually being addressed.   

What are some of your popular products, and why?

We have introduced the Molecor PVC-O (orientation) technology, which has positioned the plastic pipe to compete against the large bore with medium pressure and traditional pipe materials. This range offers both the specifier and user all the benefits of a non-corrosive, user-friendly, proven and dependable piping system that can be fit for purpose.

What is Sizabantu’s recipe for success?

Sizabantu Piping Systems has attracted a team of enthusiastic, competitive entrepreneurs, with an ownership option. The team is focused on the markets we serve and is continually reviewing and being alert to any changing market trends. We are continually challenging ourselves, to ensure that the market has access to the latest and most appropriate products for their applications.