The PIPES XIII Conference hosted by the Southern African Plastic Pipe Manufacturers Association (SAPPMA) and the Plastic Pipes Conference Association (PPCA) on 6 and 7 September 2022 at Emperors Palace in Gauteng, has been described as a “decisive and qualified success” by the organizers and delegates alike.

Jan Venter, CEO of SAPPMA, reported that this year’s event attracted more than 200 delegates from South Africa and around the world. Thirty-two papers were presented, while twenty exhibitors and fifteen sponsors participated.

“Each year, we experience first-hand how our annual conference serves as a catalyst for unlocking potential and focusing renewed attention on the importance and versatility of the plastic pipe industry -  most notably in South Africa and the larger Southern African region. This year’s event was no exception as it once again brought together some of the most reputable players in our industry to learn more about research and development trends, leading projects, and best practices,” Jan said.

PIPES XIII showcased the latest innovation and excellence in the local and international plastic pipe industry. By virtue of drawing on the PPCA for the best speakers from their main event which took place in Amsterdam last year, SAPPMA’s spin-off conference was a valuable international showcase and platform where the main users of plastic pipe technology (i.e.  water, gas, mains sewer and telecommunication companies) were exposed to valuable knowledge, expertise and experience.

Zoran Davidovski, PPCA Technical Program Chair, confirmed that PIPES XIII played an important role in ensuring that the region could catch up with the latest developments in the plastic pipe industry after two years of little activity and interaction owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Around the world the plastic pipe industry has had to face and overcome similar issues, such as a shortage of polymers and a dramatic increase in the cost of related products. We continue to live in challenging times. The Ukraine conflict is a major issue in Europe that causes an energy crisis on a global scale. Additionally, climate change is causing extensive droughts in southern Europe. Fortunately, we are noticing early signs of a big comeback and recovery of the plastic pipe industries in North America and Europe. We sincerely hope that this rebound - fueled by a need for urgent infrastructure initiatives - will also soon become evident in South Africa”.

Dr Roelof Botha, renowned economist and keynote speaker, confirmed that South Africa’s future is looking up despite the myriad of challenges experienced in the recent past. “The Zondo Commission report on State Capture revealed the extent of poor economic leadership under President Jacob Zuma’s administration. South Africa suffered losses in GDP of at least R2,5 trillion and tax revenue of R635 billion, which ended up costing each South African around R48 000. An average of 1,2 million more jobs could have been supported with better leadership and a more competent state, and we are still facing daunting challenges like youth unemployment. Serious under-performance and wasteful expenditure within State Owned Enterprises (SOEs) were key contributing factors to poor socio-economic outcomes and placed a brake on meaningful social infrastructure implementation. A knock-on effect within the power segment has been an ongoing spate of loadshedding and a spike in oil prices. Fortunately, economic indicators show that we are seeing a new lease on life for South Africa following this period of overregulation and maladministration”, he revealed.

“Although we have huge water problems that we need to overcome, South Africa is a country that holds tremendous promise and has an important role to play in the rest of the African continent. It is clear that we need sustainable solutions that also promote socio-economic prosperity. Fortunately, the plastic pipe industry is incredibly innovative and communicative. We believe that the level of conference participation and interest we witnessed in the PIPES XIII conference signals an industry that is poised to play an even greater economic role throughout the entire plastic pipe supply chain in South Africa and beyond,” Jan concluded.