​Michael Rahuma (43) feels closer to his childhood dream of becoming a master plumber after obtaining plumbing and artisan certificates. Ramahuma, a general worker at Johannesburg Roads Agency (JRA), says he also assists the Facilities Department with plumbing duties. He joined JRA in 2018 in his substantial role and began assisting Facilities in 2024. It was this experience that reignited his passion to pursue his childhood dream.

When he was in primary school, Ramahuma remembers accompanying his neighbour to plumbing jobs. He was amazed by how his neighbour would identify problems and fix what was broken.

“In 2024, I enrolled for a plumbing course at Ekurhuleni Artisans and Skills Training College, where I obtained a plumbing certificate. My wife, Refilwe, encouraged me to pursue the qualifications after noticing my dedication and ambition in the plumbing work I did," he says.

Ramahuma later enrolled at the Indlela Higher Education and Training Centre in Olifantsfontein, where he obtained his artisan qualification. Before joining JRA, Ramahuma worked in a different sector. He says moving to the JRA brought him closer to the work he wanted to do and gave him an opportunity to develop his plumbing skills.

“My biggest dream is to one day become a master plumber at JRA," he says proudly

Although he started pursuing his qualifications later in his career, Ramahuma does not believe in putting limits on his dreams. He believes people can change direction and work towards what they want regardless of age. “You can become anything you want to be."

For Ramahuma, becoming an artisan means a lot, especially at a time when South Africa is facing a shortage of skilled workers. He encourages the younger generation to consider careers in the artisan trades and to invest in developing practical skills.

Asked about his proudest moments at JRA, he points to the times when he and his team successfully deal with complex emergency jobs, particularly sewer blockages. These experiences allow him to put his skills into practice.

Ramahuma also enjoys spending quality time with his family, watching soccer and jogging.

For now, he continues to build on the qualifications he has obtained, with his sights firmly set on becoming a master plumber at JRA.

Written by Brümilda Swartbooi 
16/10/2026
 
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