If SAA are really keen to save money they need not screw around with this nonsence... just fly the a/c single crew... 'cause that's what this amounts to.
I suspect though that the cost saving is secondary to seeing faces in the cockpit with a low reflectivity index... quickly... Very dangerous to have unmotivated people in the cockpit so why not let nature take its course and start streaming those who show the right qualities and dedication to the task in order that they are ready for the full ATPL course when of the right age... oh ! er... sorry... isn't that the way it's always been done ?