Municipal internal audit unit inspires future auditors

GEORGE NEWS - The third-year accounting students at Nelson Mandela University's George Campus received a visit from the George Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit in celebration of Internal Audit Awareness Month.

The objective was to share professional insights, foster greater awareness of internal auditing, and inspire future professionals.

"The audit unit decided to follow this fresh approach to raise awareness about the profession and its role in promoting good governance.

"With a vision to become a leading municipal audit unit in the Garden Route - and ultimately across the country - the team used this opportunity to educate, inspire, and engage the next generation of auditors," said Zimasa Bulo, senior internal auditor at George Municipality.

“This initiative was a teaching and learning opportunity for both the students and us. We aimed to share real-world experiences, outline industry expectations, and offer encouragement about the wide-ranging opportunities within the internal audit profession."

Key topics covered during the session included the importance and impact of internal auditing in organisations; the definition, purpose, and scope of internal auditing; and fundamental concepts such as risk management, control, and governance.

Career paths and roles in internal auditing IIASA Siyakhula student membership opportunities were also discussed with the students.

From left: Heybre Ellis (manager of internal audit at George Municipality), Josh Loubser- (third year accounting student) and JP Rossouw (chief audit executive).

Student feedback

Third-year accounting student Josh Loubser said the team from the municipality brought a fresh perspective into the world of auditing.

"We had the opportunity to learn more about the academic and professional pathways to becoming an internal auditor, and the vital role the profession plays in enhancing operational efficiency. My key takeaway is that internal auditing allows one to apply critical thinking and a passion for excellence to bring about meaningful change within organisations.”

Bulo believes a seed has been planted among these future professionals. "Not only did we share knowledge, but we also gained renewed energy and fresh insights from the students.”

Looking ahead, the unit plans to expand its outreach to high school learners, raising early awareness of internal auditing as a relevant, impactful, and sustainable career path.

Front, from left: Ymke Vreken (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Nompumelelo Abenta (horticulture worker), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Charlene Cupido (Administrator for the Business and Economic Science Faculty). Back, from left: Zimala Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor, George Municipality), Kloper Madunda (Internal Auditor), Ewayne le Roux (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Josh Loubser (NMU Accounting Student), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality), Natache Martins (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit, George Municipality).

Front, from left: Ymke Vreken (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Nompumelelo Abenta (horticulture worker), Xolisile Sotushe (Internal Audit Intern – George Municipality), Bongiwe Mgwali (Principal Clerk: Internal Audit, George Municipality) and Charlene Cupido (Administrator for the Business and Economic Science Faculty). Back, from left: Zimala Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor, George Municipality), Kloper Madunda (Internal Auditor), Ewayne le Roux (lecturer in the School of Accounting), Josh Loubser (NMU Accounting Student), Jean-Pierre Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality), Natache Martins (Internal Audit Intern, George Municipality) and Heybré Ellis (Manager: Internal Audit, George Municipality).