Latest news with #TemporaryEmploymentServices
IOL News
28-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Understanding South Africa's reliance on foreign labour, and the way forward
In many sectors, particularly construction, infrastructure, and logistics, demand for specialised, high-risk or niche skills far outpaces local availability. Image: Henk Kruger/Independent Newspapers South Africa's labour market faces a difficult contradiction: unemployment is high, yet many businesses can't find the skilled workers they need. This is especially true in sectors like logistics and construction, where foreign labour is often used to fill urgent gaps. While this approach helps keep operations running, it often raises concerns that jobs are being taken away from South Africans. But framing the issue as a choice between local and foreign labour doesn't capture the complexity of the problem. What's needed is a practical, balanced approach - one that meets immediate business needs while supporting long-term local skills development. Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can help businesses strike this balance by handling legal compliance, ensuring fair hiring, and supporting programmes that transfer skills from foreign to local workers. Skills shortages vs. employment needs In many sectors, particularly construction, infrastructure, and logistics, demand for specialised, high-risk or niche skills far outpaces local availability. These shortages are often compounded by the need for flexibility in project-based or high-turnover roles - demands that foreign labour is sometimes better positioned to meet quickly. Foreign workers can also bring specialist expertise not yet widely available in the local talent pool. In these cases, such professionals serve not just as short-term resources but also as potential mentors and catalysts for local upskilling. The issue, then, is not whether foreign labour has a place in the South African economy – it clearly does – but how this labour is recruited, managed, and integrated into the workforce in a way that aligns with national priorities. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Enabling compliance and ethical hiring TES providers offer a compliant, ethical, and efficient framework for meeting urgent workforce needs without undermining employment equity or legal standards. By handling vetting, documentation, and permit validation, TES partners ensure that foreign workers are lawfully employed and that all contracts meet the requirements of the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, Labour Relations Act, and other applicable regulations. Importantly, TES providers reduce legal and reputational risk for employers by acting as the legal employer of record, managing worker conditions, pay, and compliance on behalf of their clients. This arrangement offers much-needed operational flexibility while maintaining the integrity of South Africa's labour laws. Building local talent for the long term One of the most strategic roles TES providers can play is facilitating skills transfer from foreign to local workers. Through structured mentorship, buddy systems, and training programmes, TES can help businesses develop a pipeline of South African talent for future roles. Foreign specialists become short-term enablers, not long-term replacements – helping to upskill locals and reduce future reliance on imported skills. This approach supports inclusive growth by uplifting local communities and reinforcing long-term economic stability. It also helps businesses align their workforce strategy with transformation and employment equity goals, which are vital in today's South African business environment. Strategic workforce planning is a shared responsibility Creating a resilient, future-ready workforce requires collaboration between industry, government, and TES providers. Joint sector forums can help identify critical skills gaps, while shared investment in accredited training and mentorship will build a stronger local talent pipeline. Clear policy and streamlined immigration processes are also essential to support fair, lawful hiring. At the same time, businesses should be incentivised to invest in local skills development while managing foreign employment responsibly. By linking hiring strategies to SETA-accredited programmes and forecasting future needs, companies can meet immediate demands and contribute to sustainable growth, job creation, and national transformation goals. Finding the way forward South Africa doesn't need a binary answer to the foreign vs. local labour debate – it needs a smart, fair, and inclusive solution. TES providers are uniquely positioned to offer just that: a scalable, compliant, and opportunity-driven model that addresses short-term skill shortages while laying the foundation for long-term talent development. Foreign expertise should uplift, not displace local talent. With the right partnerships and policies in place, South Africa can close the skills gap, create jobs, and build an economy where both local and foreign expertise are part of the solution – not in competition, but in collaboration. Jacques Maritz is the national sales and service manager of Quyn International Outsourcing. Image: Supplied * Jacques Maritz is the national sales and service manager of Quyn International Outsourcing. ** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media. BUSINESS REPORT
IOL News
17-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
How technology is modernising recruitment in Temporary Employment Services
Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing Image: Supplied In the Temporary Employment Services (TES) sector, technology is redefining how companies connect with the right talent, and how quickly and accurately it can happen. With smart tools like Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and integrated digital platforms, TES providers in South Africa are now working more efficiently and delivering better results for both employers and job seekers. But this shift isn't about replacing recruitment specialists with machines. Instead, it's about empowering TES professionals to work smarter, focus on strategic relationships, and offer real value in a fast-changing labour market. AI makes smarter, faster matches One of the biggest challenges in the TES environment is managing high volumes of CVs while in the pursuit of matching the right candidate to the right role in record time. Traditionally, this meant that recruiters would spend hours manually reviewing CVs and cross-referencing job descriptions. But AI is changing that. By analysing job descriptions and comparing them to candidate profiles using keywords and contextual relevance, AI tools can quickly identify patterns, rank applicants, and prioritise the best matches. These algorithms continuously improve over time, learning from past hiring decisions to enhance future results. This doesn't just reduce the time it takes to fill a position; it also improves the quality of the match because AI considers factors like availability, experience, and even previous performance to ensure the right person lands in the right role, the first time. Automation shifts the recruiter's focus More than just sophisticated candidate matching, automation streamlines many of the repetitive administrative tasks that have, until now, slowed recruiters down. Tasks such as interview scheduling, document collection, and sending follow-up messages can now be handled automatically. This frees up recruiters' time to play a more strategic and consultative role. Instead of spending hours on paperwork or scheduling, they can focus on understanding client needs, building relationships, and enhancing employer branding. This shift in focus leads to better long-term planning and workforce strategies, allowing TES providers to act not only as staffing suppliers but as trusted workforce partners. Digital platforms also help recruiters rethink the end-to-end hiring process. These platforms centralise everything - from job postings and candidate databases to communication and task tracking. For TES providers, this means a more organised, transparent process as communication between recruiters, clients, and candidates becomes smoother and faster, with fewer dropped balls. Real-time dashboards and reporting tools give clients insights into hiring progress and trends, while candidates benefit from quicker feedback and clearer application journeys. 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 Next Stay Close ✕ It's not just about speed, it's about outcomes For clients, the adoption of technology by TES providers translates into faster turnaround times, improved quality of hires, and greater visibility into the recruitment process. Predictive analytics and labour market data give deeper insights into talent availability and hiring trends, which is critical when working on projects like plant shutdowns or ramping up new operations. Here, candidates benefit too. With better data and AI-assisted matching, job seekers receive more relevant opportunities, quicker responses, and a smoother application experience. The whole process feels less like a black hole and more like a guided journey. While faster hiring is important, TES providers are recognising that speed alone isn't enough. Prioritising speed over fit can result in poor hires, higher turnover, and long-term reputational damage. By focusing on quality placements, TES providers help build more stable, productive workforces for their clients. The right fit leads to better job satisfaction, stronger performance, and lower employee churn - outcomes that benefit everyone involved. Technology enhances the value of TES providers The demands on TES providers are skyrocketing. Clients seek more flexible, agile staffing solutions that can respond to shifts in workforce requirements at short notice. Whether it's responding to a regulatory change, expanding a production line, or supporting a temporary project, TES providers must move quickly and confidently. Smart technologies, such as real-time labour market analytics and predictive forecasting, can equip TES teams to anticipate skills shortages, adjust talent pipelines, and support clients with effective workforce planning. These capabilities are vital in helping businesses stay competitive and compliant. Importantly, technology isn't here to replace the human touch in recruitment - it's here to support and strengthen it. For TES firms, digital tools are helping shift the role from admin-heavy tasks to more strategic, consultative work. With streamlined processes and access to deeper insights, South African TES providers are now better positioned to respond to shifting labour market needs, build lasting client relationships, and offer a smoother, more positive experience for candidates throughout the hiring journey. Pierre Bekker, Director at Quyn International Outsourcing
The Star
13-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
US funding halted, futures at stake - finding a path forward for SA's healthcare workers
Donald McMillan | Published 3 hours ago As public hospitals struggle with fewer staff and shrinking resources, the country is at risk of losing not only jobs but skills, infrastructure, and hope. But there are still ways to keep services running and people employed, says the writer. Image: Picture: Oupa Mokoena Independent Newspapers South Africa's healthcare system is under serious pressure. The sudden suspension of critical US funding has resulted in the loss of around 15 000 healthcare jobs - many of them linked to HIV/AIDS programmes that served as lifelines for vulnerable communities. Combined with broader public sector budget cuts and a national hiring freeze, the situation threatens to undo decades of progress in healthcare delivery. As public hospitals struggle with fewer staff and shrinking resources, the country is at risk of losing not only jobs but skills, infrastructure, and hope. But in the face of these challenges, there are still ways to keep services running and people employed. One of them is through Temporary Employment Services (TES), which provides a flexible staffing approach that can help stabilise the system while longer-term solutions are explored. A healthcare system under pressure The US aid cut has had an immediate and devastating impact. Programmes focused on HIV, tuberculosis, and reproductive health, many of which were propped up by international donor funding, have been forced to scale back or shut down entirely. Thousands of community healthcare workers, nurses, counsellors, and administrators have found themselves jobless, while patients are left facing longer wait times and reduced access to care. At the same time, cost-cutting across the public sector has put a freeze on new hires, even in essential departments like health and the impact is already being felt. With public hospitals and clinics stretched thin, they're unable to take on newly trained doctors and nurses. And while the private sector plays a role, it simply cannot absorb the overflow. This isn't just a staffing issue; it's a setback for the entire healthcare system, affecting everything from medical training to frontline care. Every year, South Africa produces thousands of highly trained doctors and healthcare workers, many of whom move into the public health system after completing their compulsory community service. These roles used to be a given, but with hiring freezes and shrinking budgets, many young professionals are now finishing their training with nowhere to go. Despite their skills and frontline experience, these workers are left in limbo. This is a double blow as South Africa loses out on the return from its investment in their education, while the risk of a growing skills drain looms large. With countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada actively recruiting healthcare workers, there's a real chance they may leave and not come back. In response to this crisis, temporary employment solutions have become a practical and effective solution. TES providers offer qualified healthcare professionals short- to medium-term flexible contracts, enabling them to continue working in their field while delivering essential support to overburdened healthcare facilities. This approach offers a lifeline not just for displaced workers but for clinics and hospitals struggling with limited resources. TES employees can be rapidly deployed where they are needed most, whether to cover staff shortages, serve remote communities, or support seasonal fluctuations in demand. Unlike permanent hires, they don't carry long-term costs such as medical aid or pension contributions, making them a more budget-conscious option in uncertain times. The benefits of the TES model have already been proven. During the COVID-19 pandemic, temporary staff played a key role in scaling up testing, vaccination, and treatment efforts across the sector. That same adaptability is needed now to respond to the healthcare funding crisis. While temporary employment solutions cannot solve the problem alone, they can provide an important stopgap and potentially a new way of thinking about workforce planning in the healthcare sector. Rather than relying solely on permanent positions, South Africa may need to adopt a more fluid, demand-based deployment model that allows professionals to move between roles, regions, and areas of urgent need. Shifting to this model calls for a change in mindset. Permanent posts have traditionally been seen as the gold standard in healthcare, valued for their stability and benefits. But in a time of uncertainty, contract and locum roles - especially when managed by trusted TES providers - can offer a practical alternative, combining income, ongoing experience, and flexibility. Retaining talent, restoring hope Avoiding long-term damage to South Africa's healthcare system will require urgent, coordinated action. Government departments must urgently reprioritise spending toward essential services like health and education. At the same time, private healthcare providers and staffing agencies must step up and work together to ensure that skilled professionals are not lost to the system or the country. Despite the current turbulence, South Africa's healthcare workers remain among the best trained and most resilient in the world and with the right support structures, including flexible employment options like TES, we can preserve our healthcare capacity and continue to serve those who need it most. Donald McMillan, Managing Director at Allmed Healthcare Professionals
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
US funding halted, futures at stake - finding a path forward for SA's healthcare workers
As public hospitals struggle with fewer staff and shrinking resources, the country is at risk of losing not only jobs but skills, infrastructure, and hope. But there are still ways to keep services running and people employed, says the writer. South Africa's healthcare system is under serious pressure. The sudden suspension of critical US funding has resulted in the loss of around 15 000 healthcare jobs - many of them linked to HIV/AIDS programmes that served as lifelines for vulnerable communities. Combined with broader public sector budget cuts and a national hiring freeze, the situation threatens to undo decades of progress in healthcare delivery. As public hospitals struggle with fewer staff and shrinking resources, the country is at risk of losing not only jobs but skills, infrastructure, and hope. But in the face of these challenges, there are still ways to keep services running and people employed. One of them is through Temporary Employment Services (TES), which provides a flexible staffing approach that can help stabilise the system while longer-term solutions are explored. A healthcare system under pressure The US aid cut has had an immediate and devastating impact. Programmes focused on HIV, tuberculosis, and reproductive health, many of which were propped up by international donor funding, have been forced to scale back or shut down entirely. Thousands of community healthcare workers, nurses, counsellors, and administrators have found themselves jobless, while patients are left facing longer wait times and reduced access to care. At the same time, cost-cutting across the public sector has put a freeze on new hires, even in essential departments like health and the impact is already being felt. With public hospitals and clinics stretched thin, they're unable to take on newly trained doctors and nurses. And while the private sector plays a role, it simply cannot absorb the overflow. This isn't just a staffing issue; it's a setback for the entire healthcare system, affecting everything from medical training to frontline care.
IOL News
12-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Powering South Africa's green future
Temporary Employment Services (TES) can step in to play a vital role in meeting South Africa's clean energy needs, says the writer. South Africa is at a turning point in its energy journey. Driven by a commitment to cleaner energy and the swift uptake of solar power, the renewable energy sector is experiencing significant growth. This expansion, spearheaded by both established Independent Power Producers (IPPs) and private sector entities investing in their renewable energy initiatives, marks a clear shift from the government-led REIPPP programme of the past. However, this rapid growth brings with it a serious challenge: ensuring the availability of a skilled and adaptable workforce to support the development, installation, and long-term maintenance of solar farms and other renewable energy projects across the country. This is where Temporary Employment Services (TES) providers can step in to play a vital role in meeting South Africa's clean energy needs. The workforce scaling challenge in the renewables sector The expertise first honed by established IPPs is now being put to work in the private sector. At the same time, many new companies are starting up, which is good for using local materials and workers in the industry, but this changing situation is making a big difference in the demand for skilled workers at all job levels. Initially, renewable energy projects in rural areas often encountered a scarcity of even basic electrical skills. Today, the influx of projects nationwide is facilitating the growth of semi-skilled and skilled electricians in regions where such expertise was previously limited. However, at the senior management and specialist levels, the national demand is so high that finding the right talent remains a considerable hurdle for individual companies. Addressing this fluctuating demand for skilled labour in energy projects is a core strength of TES providers, and their ability to offer a flexible workforce is exactly what is needed in an industry characterised by project-based work with varying timelines and technical requirements. In addition to providing on-demand access to a competent workforce, TES providers play a vital role in helping companies navigate the complexities of local regulations and industry standards. Many companies, especially international firms or those new to a region, may lack a deep understanding of local bargaining council agreements, infrastructure limitations, or even the local political landscape.
