Valecia Sambo, the founder of Daily Sambo Services, isn’t your typical entrepreneur. She’s a woman on a mission, building a company that does more than provide plumbing services—it saves water, empowers communities, and brings innovation to an industry often overlooked in conversations about sustainability.
“As a passionate advocate for sustainability, I’m driven to make a meaningful impact on our planet’s future,” she says. “As the Founder and Entrepreneur behind Daily Sambo Services, I’ve dedicated my career to revolutionizing the plumbing industry with innovative solutions.”
Her business, rooted in the heart of Boksburg, currently employs seven people, including two learners from the Takealot Learnership program. But her impact stretches far beyond numbers. It reaches into how people think about water, sanitation, and the role of small businesses in addressing big problems.
Laying the Foundation
Born and raised in Mpumalanga Province, South Africa, Valecia’s early life was shaped by hope. After relocating to Johannesburg to complete her high school education, she joined a plumbing learnership that would change everything.
“My plumbing learnership played a significant role in shaping my entrepreneurial journey, providing me with the skills and expertise that would eventually lead me to start my own business.”
It wasn’t just about learning how to fix a leaking tap or install a geyser. For Valecia, plumbing became a powerful vehicle to address some of South Africa’s most urgent challenges: water scarcity and sanitation inequality.
Why Plumbing? A Mission Rooted in Urgency
South Africa’s water crisis isn’t theoretical. In many communities, access to clean water is a daily struggle. This was the spark behind Daily Sambo Services.
“The severe water scarcity in our country and the lack of access to clean water and sanitation inspired me to start my business. Leveraging my skills and qualifications, I founded my company to drive positive change in my community.”
Her company’s mission is clear: provide access to clean water, promote proper sanitation, and conserve water wherever possible. And she’s doing it with a unique blend of practical service and forward-thinking innovation.
Innovation on Tap
Valecia is anything but stagnant. She sees change as both a challenge and a necessity. “To stay updated and adapt to changing trends, I focus on innovation and continuous learning,” she explains.
She’s already implemented systems many traditional plumbers have yet to explore, like greywater reuse and rainwater harvesting. These methods help households and businesses reuse water for non-potable purposes, like flushing toilets or watering gardens, significantly reducing water consumption.
“We’ve implemented greywater systems installation, rainwater harvesting, and other sustainable solutions. I prioritize ongoing education and professional development to stay ahead in the industry.”
This commitment to innovation also led her to work with Orange Corners Design, a program that supports entrepreneurs in developing cutting-edge solutions.
“I’m currently working with Orange Corners Design. We’re planning to install greywater systems that reuse water for toilets, gardens, and other non-potable purposes, reducing water consumption and bills.”
Overcoming Challenges and Building Compliance
No entrepreneurial path is without its hurdles, and Valecia’s journey has had its fair share. One of her biggest challenges was navigating the maze of compliance in the plumbing industry.
“One of the significant challenges I faced was ensuring compliance with industry regulations. I overcame this by prioritizing compliance with all relevant acts, including those related to plumbing, SARS, and COIDA. I’ve learned the importance of attention to detail and avoiding shortcuts.”
It’s this commitment to doing things right, even when no one’s watching, that has helped her build a reputation of trust and reliability in her community.
Impact Beyond Business
But Valecia’s story doesn’t end with profit margins or service calls. She’s deeply involved in community empowerment and believes that business should serve people, especially the most vulnerable.
She’s currently involved in a Women’s Day fundraising initiative with a creative twist: soccer.
“I’m involved in a fundraising initiative for Women’s Day, where we’ll be playing soccer to raise funds for young girls in rural areas, providing them with essential items like sanitary pads and toiletries.”
Her business is a platform, but her heart is in building something far greater, an ecosystem of care, opportunity, and dignity for women and girls across South Africa.
Expanding the Vision
Her ambitions are continent-wide. “Notable successes include collaborations with like-minded entrepreneurs, aligning with stakeholders through development programs, and creating job opportunities in my community. I’m working on expanding my business to partner with other African women entrepreneurs.”
She’s also part of the Allan Grey Association, a network known for fostering excellence and social impact in entrepreneurship, and recently graduated from the University of Johannesburg, a proud moment that reflects her dedication to learning.
Words to the Wise
For those just starting out, especially in industries that don’t often receive the limelight, Valecia offers wisdom drawn from lived experience:
“My advice to small businesses or entrepreneurs with limited resources is to utilize what you have and do what you can. Be resourceful, innovative, and focused on creating value.”
And her most important lesson?
“The most significant lesson I’ve learned as an entrepreneur is that it can be lonely, but surrounding yourself with fellow entrepreneurs and seeking guidance from mentors can make a significant difference. Networking, cooperation, and ongoing learning are essential for success.”
A Pipeline to the Future
Valecia Sambo is not just building a business, she’s building a legacy. In every pipe she lays and every system she installs, there’s a deeper purpose: to make clean water and dignity available to all, regardless of where they live or what they earn.
She doesn’t just want to fix leaks. She wants to fix systems. She wants to empower learners. She wants to inspire women. And most of all, she wants to ensure that the next little girl in Mpumalanga doesn’t have to remember dry taps and missed school days.
Her story is a reminder that even in the most practical of trades lies the potential to create meaningful, lasting change. It’s not just plumbing, it’s purpose. And Valecia Sambo is making sure that purpose flows freely.
