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IOL News
a day ago
- IOL News
Detective shortages in South Africa: a looming national crisis for crime investigations
Ian Cameron confirmed , Limpopo and Northern Cape had the highest shortages of detectives, with a reported 38% shortage. This is followed by the Western Cape and Free State at 35.5% and 33%, respectively. Image: Armand Hough/Independent Newspapers South Africa's investigative ability is facing a serious crisis with 1,9 million case dockets and detectives sitting with 300 to 500 dockets each. On top of it is a growing concern about the experience of detectives with more and more younger police officers absorbed into the detective services. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, described the current backlog as untenable. Mchunu said the shortage of detectives is hampering the timely investigation of cases, which in turn affects the prosecution process. 'The shortage of detectives causes serious backlogs in respect of the investigation of cases and processing of cases for prosecution." "The minister has reported on previous occasions that there is a backlog of 1.9 million case dockets within the South African Police Service, which is untenable,' the police ministry shared. Only 15.1% of SAPS members are currently deployed in detective roles—far below the 20% target…a figure revealed in a November 2024 police briefing, which laid bare the extent of the shortage. Of the 20,376 officers recruited over the past two years, just 3,142 were assigned to detective services. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Johan Burger, a police expert from the Institute for Security Studies, said there are not enough detectives to deal with the growing crime levels. "And I'm talking about serious and violent crimes. The other problem is with the effectiveness of the detectives who don't have enough training.' He said while crime rates are soaring, the number of trained detectives has almost halved since 2016, just when serious and violent crimes began to spike. At that time the number of detectives dwindled to 40%, he said. He said a concerted drive to rehire experienced detectives who had left the service failed because the core problems; poor conditions, low morale, and lack of incentives remain unresolved. Ian Cameron, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Police said there are detectives handling 300 to 500 dockets each. "It's physically impossible. They're expected to investigate, update dockets weekly, go to court, work with prosecutors, and attend post-mortems—no one can manage that workload, ' he said. Referring to the provincial breakdown on detective shortage, Cameron said Limpopo and the Northern Cape had the highest shortages of detectives, with a reported 38% shortage. This is followed by the Western Cape and Free State at 35.5% and 33%, respectively. He said the lack of mentoring is also a concern. 'New detectives are thrown in the deep end, especially in stations like Delft or Manenberg. There's no time for proper training. It's a nightmare.' Cameron suggested that uniformed officers assist with minor case elements to ease the burden on detectives. Such is the lack of faith in the police's ability to properly investigate crime that some have turned to private investigators. Private Investigator, and founder of Uniq Investigations, Desmond Finnis, said there is a growing demand for private investigative services due to unresolved or poorly handled police work. 'They often feel their rights have been violated or that a proper investigation was never conducted.' Finnis also pointed out that they often work on cases such as cybercrime, culpable homicide, and domestic violence involving the rape of minors—cases he said should have been properly handled by police detectives. 'Unfortunately, in South Africa, many detectives lack sufficient training and experience. A constable with only 12 months of visible policing experience may be promoted without even knowing how to complete a docket for court. Detectives often arrest suspects without proper preliminary investigation, and this then spills into the court system, where the NPA is then wrongly blamed for poor outcomes, but it all starts with the investigation. The slogan should be 'investigate to arrest,' not 'arrest to investigate.' Finnis himself was a victim to a botched investigation, when the detective on duty failed to collect evidence, gather witness statements and draw blood, at the scene where Finnis' ex-wife Yolande Geduld, 51, his son-in-law Kurt-Lee Carolus, 30, and his four-year-old granddaughter Tara-Lee Carolus, from Strand, died when a bakkie rammed into their Peugeot 306 after it broke down on Baden Powell Road in 2021. "The Monday when the detective came to the scene, he was reeking of alcohol. He didn't know who I was, but I observed everything, asked questions. He failed to do a lot. I then ended up investigating the case myself and he was dismissed from the force and the driver was sentenced." 'Improvements are needed in investigative training, use of forensic technology, and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure better outcomes and justice for victims,' said Finnis. Specialist investigator and crime expert Mike Bolhuis, known for his work in serious violent, economic, and cybercrimes, said he anticipates that the detective capacity will remain a huge problem for years. ''The detective-to-case workload is unmanageable. Some detectives handle 300 to 500 dockets, which is simply undoable. The public is aware and tends to rely on the few capable officers, increasing their load further.' "It's no use the police say, 'yes, give us information, be informants, expose the crime, bring us the criminals', and then there is a problem in communication and they don't want to take it, investigate it and even don't want to assist or there's an attitude problem. We've seen this many times," said Bolhuis. Bolhuis also highlighted a shortage of officers, a lack of specialized units, and poor technological capacity. 'He warned of extreme misplacement of personnel, comparing it to asking a painter to fix a diesel engine. 'Unless an officer is fit, committed, trained, and focused solely on justice, we don't have a police force—we just have people doing jobs they are not cut out for,' said Bolhuis.
IOL News
a day ago
- Business
- IOL News
Budget 3. 0 will be supported, confirms Mashatile
Deputy President Mashatile assures Parliament of budget 3.0's passage Image: GCIS Deputy President Paul Mashatile has announced that the partners of the Government of National Unity (GNU) have reached a consensus to coalesce around budget 3.0, affirming its imminent support in Parliament. sion, which took place at the Sefako Makgatho Presidential Guesthouse in Pretoria on Friday. The high-profile assembly featured an array of stakeholders, including ministers, deputy ministers, premiers, and director-generals. 'In the Government of National Unity (GNU), we all agreed to support the budget, so there won't be a problem. The budget will go through as presented,' asserted Mashatile, reflecting an optimistic outlook for the budget's acceptance. Last week, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana presented his budget speech in the National Assembly, marking the third attempt to establish the Fiscal Policy Framework for 2025 after two previous failures to deliver a balanced budget. This year's financial overview transcends the mere presentation of figures; it critically illustrates South Africa's developmental priorities, financial prudence, and the state of political stability within the nation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ The backdrop to this agreement has been fraught with challenges, particularly following the controversial reversal of a planned 0.5% increase in Value Added Tax (VAT). Godongwana has faced considerable pressure since this retraction, especially as the initial VAT hike, though supported by Parliament, was met with fierce opposition from political parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who contested the decision in court. With this reversed policy, South Africa's national budget now grapples with a troubling R75 billion deficit. As the Minister for Finance, Godongwana is tasked with bridging this fiscal gap without resorting to additional borrowing or igniting further political disputes. IOL
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Incorporating AI into workforce planning: optimising skills for the SA workforce of the future
By leveraging AI for talent acquisition, process optimisation, upskilling, and structural alignment, South African organisations can address unemployment, inequality, and inefficiencies across the value chain. Image: RON AI The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into workforce planning is revolutionising how organisations prepare for the demands of the future. In South Africa, where unemployment stands at 33% (Stats SA, 2024) and skills mismatches persist, AI presents a transformative opportunity to align workforce capabilities with economic needs. By leveraging AI for talent acquisition, process optimisation, upskilling, and structural alignment, South African organisations can address unemployment, inequality, and inefficiencies across the value chain. This article, grounded in peer-reviewed academic studies, explores how AI can be embedded into workforce planning, with practical examples tailored to the South African context. Part 1 focuses on talent acquisition and process optimisation, while Part 2, to be published next week, will explore upskilling, workforce structures, and human resource challenges. The South African Workforce Context Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ South Africa's workforce faces significant challenges, including high unemployment, a youth unemployment rate exceeding 60%, and persistent skills shortages (Stats SA, 2024; Bhorat et al., 2020). The global economy is shifting towards digitalisation, with industries such as mining, retail, and financial services increasingly adopting AI-driven technologies (Schwab, 2019). Yet, only 22% of workers possess intermediate or advanced digital skills, exacerbating the skills gap (OECD, 2020). Historical inequalities further complicate workforce planning, with Black women facing unemployment rates of 40% (Stats SA, 2024). AI can bridge these gaps by enabling data-driven strategies to identify, develop, and deploy skills, fostering inclusive growth. AI in Workforce Planning: Key Applications Talent Acquisition and Skills Matching AI-powered recruitment platforms streamline talent acquisition by matching candidates' skills to job requirements with high accuracy. Research indicates that AI can reduce hiring biases by up to 30% when algorithms are designed to prioritise skills over demographic factors (Dastin, 2018). In South Africa, where affirmative action and employment equity are critical, AI can ensure fairer hiring by anonymising candidate data and focusing on competencies. Standard Bank, one of South Africa's largest financial institutions, implemented an AI-driven recruitment platform in 2022 to address skills shortages in data analytics and cybersecurity. Using a tool similar to IBM Watson Recruitment, the bank analysed candidates' qualifications, certifications, and informal skills gained through online courses or freelance work. This approach enabled Standard Bank to identify talent from underrepresented groups, such as Black graduates from rural universities, reducing hiring time by 25% and improving diversity metrics (Standard Bank, 2023). The platform also integrated with South Africa's Employment Equity Act requirements, ensuring compliance with affirmative action goals. South African organisations should adopt AI-driven recruitment platforms tailored to local contexts. These platforms must be trained on diverse datasets, including informal qualifications and non-traditional career paths, to tap into underrepresented talent pools like rural youth or informal sector workers. Partnerships with platforms like Pnet or Career Junction can enhance local relevance. Process Optimisation Across the Value Chain AI enhances efficiency across the organisational value chain by automating repetitive tasks, improving decision-making, and reducing costs. In South Africa's mining sector, AI-driven predictive maintenance reduces equipment downtime by 15–20% (McKinsey, 2021). In retail, AI optimises supply chain management by forecasting demand and minimising waste (Chui et al., 2018). Anglo American, a leading South African mining company, deployed AI-powered predictive maintenance systems at its Kumba Iron Ore operations. By analysing sensor data from mining equipment, the AI system predicted maintenance needs, reducing unplanned downtime by 18% and saving millions in operational costs (Anglo American, 2022). At the macro level, this aligned with South Africa's National Development Plan 2030 by enhancing productivity in a key economic sector. At the micro level, the system optimised workforce allocation, allowing technicians to focus on high-value tasks rather than routine checks. In the retail sector, Shoprite, South Africa's largest supermarket chain, implemented an AI-driven supply chain management system in 2023. Using a platform similar to SAP Integrated Business Planning, Shoprite forecasted demand for perishable goods across its 2,900 stores, reducing food waste by 12% and improving stock availability (Shoprite Holdings, 2023). This optimisation required upskilling employees to interpret AI-generated insights, highlighting the need for integrated workforce training. South African organisations should deploy sector-specific AI tools for process optimisation, such as predictive maintenance in mining or demand forecasting in retail. Collaboration with government and SETAs can align these tools with national skills development initiatives, ensuring macro-level coherence. Training programmes should accompany AI adoption to equip workers with data interpretation skills. Looking Ahead Part 1 has outlined how AI can revolutionise talent acquisition and process optimisation in South Africa's workforce planning. Next week, Part 2 will explore how AI supports upskilling, optimises workforce structures, and addresses human resource challenges such as inequality, workforce anxiety, and data privacy. By integrating these strategies, South Africa can build a workforce ready for the future. Dr Chris Blair, Group Director at 21st Century. Dr Chris Blair, Group Director at 21st Century. Image: Supplied.
Pink Villa
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Pink Villa
To Be Hero X Episode 9: Cyan Becomes A Singer—Recap, Release Date, Where To Stream And More
In ' The Cyan Girl,' journalist Liu Zhen investigating a plane crash and discovering a lone survivor—a girl he names Cyan. Suspicious of the lack of hero involvement, he hides her in an orphanage. Cyan's abnormal luck soon becomes exploited, transforming the orphanage into a cult worshipping her. Isolated and treated as divine, Cyan befriends a new arrival, Luo, who is plagued by bad luck. Sharing her desire for normalcy, they bond and later attempt to flee, only for the director to expose his real goal—becoming a hero through her fame. Expected plot in To Be Hero X Episode 9 To Be Hero X Episode 9 will follow Cyan after she escapes the orphanage, now alone but discovering her talent for music, which becomes her new source of hope. The DoS management company, led by Meizhi, notices her abilities and offers to promote her as the singer-hero 'Lucky Cyan.' The episode will explore how she grapples with this new identity, created under corporate direction. Meanwhile, the dean's original plan to craft a hero from the orphanage is revealed. Luo's fate remains uncertain, which will only add to the pressure of Cyan's next steps. To Be Hero X Episode 9: Release date and where to stream To Be Hero X Episode 9, titled 'Loss and Gain,' is set to air in Japan on June 1, 2025, at 9:30 am JST, according to the official website. Due to time zone differences, some international viewers may be able to stream it as early as May 31. In Japan, the episode will broadcast on Fuji TV and other networks, and be available on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, U-NEXT, and more. Internationally, fans can stream To Be Hero X Episode 9 via Crunchyroll, Aniplex and bilibili Global. Keep an eye on Pinkvilla for more updates from the To Be Hero X anime.
IOL News
3 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
SA Reserve Bank cuts repo rate offering relief to consumers
South African Reserve Bank announces a 25 basis point cut to the repo rate, providing much-needed relief for borrowers. Experts weigh in on the implications for the economy and property market. SARB Governor Lesetja Kganyago. Image: SA Reserve Bank. South Africans repaying vehicle, home loans and other debts received some joy on Thursday as the South African Reserve Bank (Sarb) lowered the repurchase rate (repo rate) for the country. Sarb Governor Lesetja Kganyago announced a cut to the repurchase rate (repo rate) by 25 basis points (BPS). This came after the central bank's Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) met this week and voted to decrease the repo rate from 7.50% to 7.25%. This means that the repo rate will decrease from 7.50% to 7.25% and the prime lending rate will decrease from 11.00% to 10.75%. "In the previous MPC statement, we warned of downside risks to our growth forecast. We have now trimmed our GDP projections and currently expect growth of 1.2% this year. The outlook for structural reforms remains positive, but there are also headwinds," Kganyago said. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Property sector reacts Dr Andrew Golding, the CEO of the Pam Golding Property, said the cut is welcome relief for consumers. Golding said, "The MPC seized the opportunity to give South Africa's economy a much-needed boost in sentiment. Furthermore, with inflation surprising on the downside in recent months and, with a petrol price cut likely next month, although partially offset by the hike in the fuel levy, price pressures are likely to remain subdued. The consumer inflation rate is currently well anchored below the lower limit of the 3%-6% inflation target." More is needed Meanwhile, Samuel Seeff, the chairman of the Seeff Property, said the rate cut was welcomed, but more is needed. Seeff said, "This is the fourth rate cut by Sarb since the latter half of last year. The Bank missed a crucial opportunity to provide a more meaningful cut of at least 50bps as a vital boost for the economy, consumers and the property market. The conditions for a robust rate cut are ideal given the remarkably low inflation which, despite the recent benign increase to 2.8% is still comfortably below the SARB's 3-6% target range. Additionally, despite global volatility, the strengthened Rand poses no risk of igniting an inflationary spiral, given the subdued demand-side pressures." "Even with the latest rate cut, the interest rate is still above pre-Covid levels. This continues to erode any benefits from previous rate adjustments and remains an impediment to real economic growth so vitally needed. The high interest rate has done considerable damage to the economy. Consumers are struggling, and while this rate cut will bring much needed relief," Seeff said. As a result of the 25bps rate cut, mortgage repayments will reduce by (Based on a 20-year repayment period at the prime rate): R750 000 bond – from R7,741 to R7,614 – thus saving R127 R900 000 bond – from R9,290 to R9,137 – thus saving R153 R1 000 000 bond – from R10,322 to R10,152 – thus saving R170 R1 500 000 bond – from R15,483 to R15,228 – thus saving R255 R2 000 000 bond – from R20,644 to R20,305 – thus saving R339 R2 500 000 bond – from R25,805 to R25,381 – thus saving R424 R3 000 000 bond – from R30,966 to R30,457 – thus saving R509 R5 000 000 bond – from R51,609 to R50,761 – thus saving R848 'With inflation at historic lows and household budgets still under pressure from slow economic growth, any easing in the interest rate environment is a meaningful win for consumers. Lower borrowing costs translate directly into more affordable monthly repayments, which can help unlock greater activity in the property market,' regional director and CEO of RE/MAX of Southern Africa, Adrian Goslett said. 'For buyers, it may be a good time to explore opportunities while rates are still trending lower. For sellers, improved affordability could mean a larger pool of potential buyers, which could mean a quicker sale and more competitive offers,' Goslett added. BUSINESS REPORT Visit:
