Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka has called on auditors to be the first line of defence to prevent fraud and corruption.
Gcaleka delivered a keynote address at the African Governance Forum in Cape Town, hosted by the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa.
She says while her office becomes involved in investigations of corruption and malfeasance after the fact, it is auditors who can prevent irregular practices from taking root in the first place.
“Internal audit prevents and there’s nothing as important as being preventative. Even in UNCAC (United Nations Convention against Corruption) now, the stance in fighting corruption is preventative, which puts auditing central to the fight against corruption. We come up later with remedies. However, an intervention is required even before the maladministration and improper conduct takes place.”
Gcaleka added that partnerships should take place between different kinds of oversight bodies to protect whistleblowers, who often are auditors.
“ We must strengthen the ecosystem to protect one another for future generations of continent. If we don’t do it, even for children who we think we are staying silent to put food on their table, they won’t be able to put food on the table for their children.”
VIDEO | Public Protector Advocate Kholeka Gcaleka’s keynote address at the African Governance Forum:
