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South Africa’s unemployment crisis: challenges and imperatives for the recruitment sector

May 17, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

As of the fourth quarter of 2024, South Africa’s official unemployment stats, state that the unemployment rate has declined slightly to 31.9%, down from 32.1% the previous quarter. While this marks the second consecutive quarterly decrease and the lowest rate since the third quarter of 2023, the persistently high levels of unemployment remain a pressing concern. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Data Management
Comment

Dumpster diving for data: Are you an easy target?

May 10, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today's digital age, where personal security and privacy are more critical than ever, safeguarding your identity extends beyond online practices. In South Africa, the contents of your rubbish bin can easily become a source of vulnerability, exposing sensitive information to identity thieves without you ever realising it.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Data Management
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Are you using a reliable integrity tool for your hiring process?

May 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today's competitive job market, having the right tools for employee screening is essential. One tool gaining popularity in South Africa is the integrity test offered by iFacts, the official provider of these assessments from INTEG. These tests focus on reliability, validity, and fairness, ensuring organisations can effectively evaluate potential employees.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
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World Backup Day: Who Makes Decisions Regarding Your Data Protection and Organisational Integrity?

April 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

World Backup Day, observed on the 31st of March, reminded businesses globally, to protect their data from theft, loss or corruption and focuses on how essential it is that data protections are as comprehensive as possible. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
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Does your employee screening policy address cyber crime risks in your organisation?

April 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

As cybercrime continues to surge in South Africa, the importance of effective employee screening to address this risk is paramount. 

In 2024 alone, Interpol reported over 3,300 global cybercrime incidents affecting governments, banks, and the general public each week, reflecting a growing threat landscape. With cyber threats increasingly targeting organisations across South Africa, businesses must prioritise comprehensive screening processes to safeguard against potential breaches stemming from internal and external sources. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, Cybersecurity
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Do no-experience-required jobs need background checks?

February 25, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Queue of thousands shows desperation at South Africa job crisis. What does desperation cost our country?  Many in our country are really struggling but desperate times create desperate measures. Don’t skip your processes in place to address risk. Regardless of how desperate a person may be, make sure you verify details on the job application thoroughly. Every time. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Can South African HR leaders stop white-collar crime in their organizations?

February 13, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

South Africa is grappling with a significant surge in white-collar crime, underscoring the urgent need for robust employee screening practices. The recently released second-quarter crime statistics for July to September 2024 revealed an 18.5% spike in commercial crime incidents compared to the same period in 2023. This alarming increase, from 30,630 to 36,300 cases, highlights the highest surge recorded this year. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Skills over degrees: Redefining job qualifications in South Africa

February 8, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today’s evolving job market, a university degree is no longer the only pathway to success in South Africa. Increasingly, employers are valuing practical skills and hands-on expertise over formal qualifications, opening doors for job seekers who may not have had the opportunity to pursue traditional higher education.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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The importance of the candidate experience during employee screening in South Africa

February 1, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In today’s competitive job market, where talent is often scarce and companies must act quickly to secure top candidates, the candidate experience during the hiring process has become a crucial element in the overall success of recruitment strategies.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Strengthening Employee Screening in South Africa: Key Observations from 2024

January 5, 2025 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The latest Employers Background Screening Report sheds light on the rising challenges and trends in employee screening internationally.  With the influx of fraudulent activities and integrity-related challenges, employers are placing greater emphasis on robust verification measures.    

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Screen your house and pet sitters

December 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The holiday season is coming up and it’s time to start thinking about house sitters and pet sitters. These people will have unsupervised access to your home and your pets for the duration of your holiday. Many things could happen in a couple of days you’re away. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Holiday Rental Safety

November 16, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Holiday rental time is rife with scammers, fraudsters and the possibility of theft or damage. For holiday-makers, late bookings run the risk of their deposits being stolen, booking a rental that has already been booked or simply doesn’t exist. There may also be unforeseen fees that get included at the last minute.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, Legal
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Could Those End of Year Profits Cost You More Than You Thought?

November 3, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

The Festive Season is coming up and it’s time to consider the casual staff you intend to hire for the holiday rush. Casual staff are a necessity to help when business picks up in various seasonal industries. However, like full-time staff members, casual staff also need to be screened and vetted prior to employment, even in a short-term capacity. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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When Is the Best Time to Screen Your Employees?

October 21, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Many companies have effective pre-employment screening policies, but the need for screening doesn’t end after hiring. Regular rescreening of existing employees at all levels is essential to protect the company from unforeseen issues and to ensure preparedness.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Will It Take a Tragedy Before You Ensure Your Suppliers Or Staff Are Industry Compliant?

October 12, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Earlier this year, on 6 May, we all listened in horror as radio stations across the country let us know about a building that had collapsed and 81 people were stuck in the rubble. Awful updates were constantly received with people being unaccounted for, being rushed to hospital in severe condition, or dying. There were allegations that the owner of the building wished to add a storey to the building that the foundations were not built for and that the construction crew allowed and encouraged the cleaning ladies to mix cement for use in the multi-storey building.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Why Wait to Dismiss Staff For Employee Fraud When An Effective Employee Screening Policy Can Save Millions?

October 6, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Employee fraud, previously called Insider fraud refers to when an employee of your company lies or steals from the company, this could refer to stealing money, maliciously taking access to company assets, or even workplace recognition. Any kind of fraud can negatively affect a company, but employee fraud is becoming a bigger concern than it has been in the past.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Who Is That Doctor You Are Considering Employing?

September 15, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

In a recent article, there was much controversy about a politician who had been writing Doctor before his name for many years.  On further investigation, he was a “doctor in the ministry of counselling” from Trinity International University, Ghana’s campus in South Africa in 2008. “Trinity is not accredited by the South African Qualifications Authority, the National Qualifications Framework, or the Council on Higher Education for Higher Education Qualifications. Trinity is also not accredited by the Ghana Tertiary Education Committee, although the ‘university’ operates out of Ghana.” Due to the institutions’ lack of accreditation or importance outside of a church, South Africans thought that this “Doctorate” should not count. Nor should this politician refer to himself as a doctor. This poses the question, how relevant is a qualification if it does not bring the required skill set to the party?

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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When Next You Review Your Employee Screening Policy Consider Making Skills Assessment Part of It

September 7, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Employee Screening is an ever-evolving process, no employee screening policy should be cast in stone and remain that way long term. This process should be regularly reviewed and updated to evolve as the human risk factor evolves. 

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management
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Are There Risks Associated with Real-Time Verifications?

August 11, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

We are often asked for real-time information when conducting background checks for clients, but with the rise of Artificial Intelligence and new global legislation pertaining to this, it is essential that companies understand the risks they face with this information.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, AI
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Skills Assessments – How Do You Assess Skills on A CV?

July 20, 2024 Melanie Hawken

by Jenny Reid

Ensuring your new hires and current employees have the skills needed to perform their jobs should be an essential part of pre-employment screening. A candidate submits a CV that outlines the skills they have that are relevant to the position in question, but it’s very easy to lie with skills falsified on a CV.

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In Guest Blog Tags Jenny Reid, People Management, AI
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CELEBRATING 10 YEARS


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LIONESSES OF AFRICA · AI Series - Navigating Artificial Intelligence In The Workplace

Lioness Radio Show Special Episode: Navigating AI in the Workplace - Tune in for an engaging conversation designed to equip you with the knowledge to embrace AI and unlock its possibilities for your business.


LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORIES

LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Zanele Njapha, a transformational business leadership coach
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Mekdes Mesfin, a proudly Ethiopian fashion designer and manufacturer
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Emilia Chisango, a multi-faceted business empire builder
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Morongwe Mokone, a passionate champion of artisanal homeware
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry
Tshego Molefi, a pioneer transforming the waste management industry

IMAGE OF THE DAY. CELEBRATING WOMAN MADE IN AFRICA.

Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c
Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi
Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company
Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p
Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized
Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has
Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y
Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates
Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he
Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi
Image of the Day / Adèle Dejak

Big bold accessories…We are big fans of luxury jewellery and accessories made with love and passion on the African continent, and Adèle Dejak in Kenya is the epitome of handmade luxury. The brand c Image of the Day / ReelFruit
 
Healthy snack treats…We love showcasing Africa’s women agribusiness builders, and ReelFruit, founded by Affiong Williams, is inspirational - it’s the largest fruit processing, packaging and distributi Image of the Day / Dokmai Rwanda

Made in Rwanda Handbag…A passion for handcrafted accessories, combined with a sense of pride for ‘Made in Rwanda’ products, inspired Dokmai Rwanda founder, Bernadette Umunyana, to create a company Image of the Day / Eki Silk

Silk Serenity…Nothing is quite as luxurious as silk, that’s why we love the ‘Africa on Silk’ collections from Eki, founded by Hazel Eki Osunde. Her latest Deep Dive Collection is inspired by the p Image of the Day / The Nanjala Company

Pot plants delivered… Give gifts that will last, such as these stunning plants in individual pots from The Nanjala Company in Kenya, founded by Teresa Nanjala Lubano. This online store creates customized Image of the Day / Sari for Change

Sustainable Sari Glamour - If you want to wear a robe that makes you feel and look glamorous, then Rayana Edwards, founder of Harem in South Africa, has a range of fabulous robes all made from sari fabrics. She has Image of the Day / MonChoco

Pure chocolate heaven…If you are a chocolate lover, then you need to experience raw chocolate at its finest, and Dana Mroueh, founder of MonChoco an artisan chocolatier in Côte d’Ivoire, has just what y Image of the Day / Mulandi Brindes

Say it with flowers…If you want to make someone feel special, then there is no better way than with the gift of fresh flowers, and Mulandi Brindes in Mozambique, founded by Vanessa Guilherme Nhabete, creates Image of the Day / Mariée Eventos

The Wedding Planner…Every big celebration day needs great organization, and that’s where Iris Lezi Munguambe, founder of Mariée Eventos in Mozambique, is your go-to person. She launched he Image of the Day / Dounia Home

Statement lighting… from Dounia Home, the home of innovative, handcrafted and ethically made Moroccan lighting and home decor founded by Dounia Tamri-Loeper. Her company designs, produces and brings to market hi

STARTUP STORIES. MEET THE WOMEN WHO’VE LAUNCHED.

Featured
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Suné Theisinger and Dr Juanri Jonck, two dynamic players in the aesthetic industry in South Africa
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Tania Kabeya, a passionate chef and entrepreneur building a uniquely African culinary brand
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Aasiyah Adams, a visionary South African tech founder helping individuals and organisations to thrive in the digital economy
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Komeshni Patrick, a tech legal consultancy founder empowering forward-thinking tech businesses to grow
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain
Lebo Biko, a South African champion of women-led innovation in Africa’s agri-food value chain

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LIONESS BOOK REVIEWS

Featured
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
Babette’s Bread by Babette Kourelos
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
SOS – A Navigation Guide for Women at Work by Lidewij Wiersma, Chantal Korteweg, Tessel van Willigen and Marijn Wiersma
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Unstoppable Entrepreneurs: 7 Paths for Unleashing Successful Startups and Creating Value through Innovation by Lori Rosenkopf
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
Afro-Optimism Unleashed by Adeolu Adewumi-Zer
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe
No More 24/7: Entrepreneurs, Take Your Life Back by Catherine Cowart Roe

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