Security Jobs Finder - Insights
16th Edition
1. Newsletter Update:
We currently have 564 subscribers to our newsletter; The 15th edition of our newsletter was viewed 385 times.
This week we have a look at a topical issue of the 2-pot retirement system, we tackle the interview question, why did you apply for this position? and look at the role of a drone pilot. Our article of the week looks at Psira and its crackdown on non-compliant Security Companies.
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2. Understanding the Two-Pot Retirement System: Key Insights for Security Officers
What is the Two-Pot System? The new two-pot retirement system, effective from 1 September 2024, is designed to offer South African pension fund members more flexibility in accessing their retirement savings. It divides contributions into three parts: a retirement pot (two-thirds of contributions), a savings pot (one-third of contributions), and a vested pot (existing savings as of the implementation date). The savings pot allows limited pre-retirement withdrawals, while the retirement pot is preserved for actual retirement.
Benefits:
Flexibility: The savings pot enables access to funds before retirement, providing financial relief in emergencies.
Preservation: The retirement pot ensures long-term savings remain intact, reducing the risk of pension depletion.
Pros and Cons of Withdrawing Funds:
Pros:
Immediate access to cash in emergencies.
Potential to use funds for debt repayment or investments.
Cons:
High tax implications on withdrawals, which are taxed as income.
Potential reduction in future retirement benefits, risking financial security in old age.
Impact on Pension Funds: Withdrawing from the savings pot may significantly reduce your retirement savings, especially considering the heavy tax burden. Over time, frequent withdrawals could diminish your financial stability in retirement, making it crucial to weigh immediate needs against long-term security.
SARS Requirements: To withdraw, you must be registered with SARS and fully tax-compliant. Any outstanding debts to SARS will be deducted from your withdrawal, and the process will involve tax directives to calculate your tax liability.
For further details, you can read the full articles on the Daily Investor, SARS, and [Allan Gray]
3.Weekly Poll
Last week’s poll results
Last week we asked: Will SAPS crackdown on extortionists work?
Responses: We had 3 responses on last week’s poll:
33% of respondents voted no difference, and
67% of respondents voted This i have to see to believe
4. Interview Q & A
This week’s topic will address the question of:
How to Answer the Interview Question: "Why Did You Apply for This Position?"
Among the many questions you might encounter during a job interview, "Why did you apply for this position?" is one that seems straightforward but carries significant weight. This question is a staple in interviews because it reveals much about your motivations, understanding of the role, and fit within the company.
Why This Question Is Asked
When a recruiter asks, "Why did you apply for this position?" they are probing for several key insights:
Understanding Your Motivation:
The recruiter wants to understand what drives you. Are you genuinely interested in the job and the company, or are you applying just to secure any available position? Your answer can reveal whether you're passionate about the work and whether you see a future with the company.
Assessing Your Knowledge of the Role and Company:
This question tests whether you've done your homework. Do you understand what the job entails? Are you familiar with the company’s mission, values, and culture? Demonstrating that you've researched the company shows that you're serious about the opportunity.
Determining Your Long-Term Commitment:
Recruiters are looking for candidates who are in it for the long haul. They want to know if this role aligns with your career goals and if you’re likely to stay and grow with the company.
Evaluating Cultural Fit:
Your response can also provide clues about how well you’ll fit into the company’s culture. Are your values aligned with the organisation's? Do you share the same work ethic and goals as the team you’ll be joining?
What the Recruiter Wants to Know
When you answer this question, the recruiter is looking for specific information:
Alignment with the Job and Company:
The recruiter wants to see that your skills, experiences, and career goals align with the role and the company. This means your reasons for applying should be directly related to what the job offers and how it fits into your professional journey.
Genuine Interest:
A sincere interest in the position and the company is crucial. The recruiter wants to know that you’re excited about the role and that you’re enthusiastic about the prospect of contributing to the company's success.
Career Objectives:
The recruiter is interested in how this position fits into your long-term career plans. Are you looking for a stepping stone, or do you see this as a place where you can grow and make a significant impact?
Understanding of the Role:
Your answer should reflect a clear understanding of the job responsibilities and how your skills and experiences make you a strong fit. This shows that you’ve thoughtfully considered how you can contribute to the company’s goals.
How to Craft Your Answer
To effectively answer the question, consider the following steps:
Research the Company and Role:
Start by thoroughly researching the company, its mission, values, culture, and the specifics of the job you're applying for. This information will form the foundation of your answer.
Identify What Excites You About the Role:
Think about what specifically drew you to this position. Is it the opportunity to work on innovative projects, the chance to develop new skills, or the alignment with your career goals? Focus on what genuinely excites you.
Link Your Skills and Experience to the Job:
Highlight how your skills and experiences make you a strong candidate for the role. Provide specific examples of how you’ve succeeded in similar positions or how your background has prepared you for this job.
Express Enthusiasm and Long-Term Interest:
Convey your excitement about the role and the company. Emphasise how this position aligns with your long-term career goals and how you see yourself contributing to the company’s success over time.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:
While it’s important to be thorough, make sure your answer is concise and to the point. Avoid unnecessary details that don’t directly relate to the role or the company.
Model Answer
Here’s an example of how you might structure your response:
Interviewer: "Why did you apply for this position?"
Candidate: "I applied for this position because it offers the perfect blend of challenges and opportunities that align with my career goals. I’ve always been passionate about [industry or specific area], and your company’s reputation for innovation and excellence in this field really stood out to me.
In my previous role at XYZ Company, I was responsible for [specific responsibility], where I successfully [mention a relevant achievement]. This experience has given me a strong foundation in [relevant skill or knowledge], which I’m excited to bring to your team.
Moreover, I’m particularly drawn to your company’s mission to [mention the company’s mission or value], as it closely aligns with my own values and professional aspirations. I’m eager to contribute to your team and help drive forward some of the exciting projects you’re known for. I see this role as an excellent opportunity to grow my skills while contributing to a company that is making a significant impact in the industry."
Answering the question "Why did you apply for this position?" effectively is an opportunity to showcase your motivation, alignment with the company’s goals, and your enthusiasm for the role. By researching the company, linking your skills to the job requirements, and expressing genuine interest, you can craft a compelling answer that demonstrates why you are the ideal candidate for the position. Remember, this question is not just about why you want the job, but why the job is a perfect fit for you and how you can contribute to the company’s success.
5. The different career options available in the security field
The Role of Drone Pilots in the Security Industry
In the rapidly evolving security industry, technology continues to play a crucial role in enhancing safety and efficiency. Among the most innovative advancements is the integration of drone technology. Drone pilots, once a role confined to the military or specialised commercial sectors, have become increasingly essential in modern security operations.
What Does the Job Entail?
A drone pilot in the security industry is responsible for operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor and secure areas, both large and small. Their primary duties include:
- Surveillance and Monitoring: Drone pilots conduct aerial surveillance of large properties, perimeters, and sensitive areas. This includes real-time monitoring for trespassing, theft, or other suspicious activities.
- Crowd Control and Event Management: During large events or public gatherings, drones are used to monitor crowd movements, identify potential security risks, and ensure overall safety.
- Search and Rescue Operations: In the event of an emergency, such as a missing person or a natural disaster, drone pilots are instrumental in search and rescue operations, providing aerial views that can be crucial in locating individuals quickly and safely.
- Inspection and Maintenance: Drones are also used to inspect security infrastructure, such as fences, barriers, and surveillance equipment, ensuring they are in good condition and identifying any potential vulnerabilities.
- Data Collection and Analysis: Pilots are responsible for capturing and analysing data from drone footage, helping security teams to assess risks, plan responses, and make informed decisions.
The Benefits of Drone Pilots in Security
The integration of drone pilots into security operations offers several significant benefits:
- Enhanced Surveillance Capabilities: Drones provide a bird's-eye view that traditional surveillance methods cannot match. This allows security teams to monitor vast areas quickly and efficiently, improving response times to incidents.
- Cost-Effective Solutions: Drones reduce the need for extensive on-ground security personnel, lowering operational costs. They can cover large areas that would otherwise require significant manpower.
- Improved Safety: Drones can be deployed in high-risk situations where it may be too dangerous for personnel to intervene directly. This minimises the risk to human life while still addressing security threats effectively.
- Flexibility and Agility: Drones can be quickly deployed and re-deployed as needed, providing a flexible security solution that can adapt to changing situations in real time.
- Environmental Monitoring: In addition to human threats, drones can monitor environmental conditions, such as detecting fires or hazardous spills, providing early warnings and helping to mitigate risks.
Importance of Drone Pilots in the Security Industry
Drone pilots have become indispensable in the security industry due to their ability to enhance surveillance, improve safety, and provide cost-effective solutions. Their importance is underscored by the increasing reliance on technology-driven security measures in both public and private sectors. As security threats become more sophisticated, the need for advanced tools like drones, operated by skilled pilots, will only grow.
Furthermore, drone pilots contribute to the overall effectiveness of security operations by providing accurate and timely data, which is essential for informed decision-making. This real-time information can be the difference between a successfully thwarted threat and a costly security breach.
As the security industry continues to embrace technological advancements, the role of drone pilots has emerged as a critical component in modern security strategies. Their ability to provide comprehensive surveillance, enhance safety, and offer flexible, cost-effective solutions makes them invaluable to security operations. For those interested in pursuing a career in this exciting and evolving field, becoming a drone pilot offers the opportunity to be at the forefront of security innovation, playing a vital role in protecting people, property, and assets.
6. PSiRA has revoked thousands of private security company registrations over non-compliance
Industry Published on 13 August 2024 By ProtectionWeb
In the wake of an illegal military training camp being shut down in White River, the Private Security industry Regulatory Authority (PSiRA) has emphasised its oversight role, noting that it has carried out hundreds of thousands of inspections and shut down over 4 000 private security companies.
PSiRA CEO Manabela Chauke last week noted that the Authority continues “to work tirelessly to enforce compliance, conduct rigorous inspections, and take decisive actions against any entities found in violation of our regulations.”
Chauke further added that “[PSiRA] will continue to enhance our regulatory frameworks, increasing surveillance, and maintain close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to prevent unlawful activities from taking root in our communities.”
In PSiRA’s previous five-year medium-term activities, the authority was able to conduct over 220 000 inspections, resulting in 14 300 cases being referred to the South African Police Service (SAPS) for various contraventions. Through these “rigorous regulatory interventions”, over 4 200 individuals were arrested and over 3 400 criminal cases were finalised.
Over 8 700 cases were prosecuted, which resulted in the withdrawal of over 4 400 company registrations and R100 million in fines imposed against those found guilty of violations.
PSiRA is tasked with the regulation of the private security sector in SA. On Wednesday 7 August, the regulator announced it had suspended the registration of Militas Dei Security Services – the security training company behind the illegal Libyan military camp in Mpumalanga that saw 95 Libyan nationals arrested last month.
Chauke advised that criminal cases were to be opened against the owners of the South African company behind the illegal Libyan military camp.
According to PSiRA, it has over 16 000 registered private security service providers under it, with about 10% of those being security training providers. Chauke said PSiRA strives to conduct annual inspections of the companies, based on budget availability, risk analysis and capacity requirements.
“We will continue to work tirelessly to enforce compliance, conduct rigorous inspections, and take decisive actions against any entities found in violation of our regulations. We will continue to enhance our regulatory frameworks, increase surveillance, and maintain close collaboration with other law enforcement agencies to prevent unlawful activities from taking root in our communities,” he said.
Source: https://www.protectionweb.co.za/industry/psira-has-revoked-thousands-of-private-security-company-registrations-over-non-compliance/
Thats it for this week’s edition. I hope that you found it informative. Make sure to like and subscribe and share with your colleagues.
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