George Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit Inspires Future Auditors Through Innovative Awareness Campaign
Above are officials from the George Municipality Internal Audit team and staff from Nelson Mandela University.
In January 2026, the Internal Audit department launched a year-long awareness campaign with monthly themes, with the main focus on activities during the month of May. And in celebration of International Internal Audit Awareness Month, the Internal Audit Unit of George Municipality has embarked on an innovative outreach campaign aimed at promoting the internal audit profession and inspiring future professionals at both tertiary and school level.
Driven by a vision to become a leading municipal internal audit unit in the Garden Route—and ultimately across South Africa—the team used the month of May to actively engage with students through interactive and educational awareness initiatives designed to make the profession more accessible, relatable, and impactful.
As part of the campaign, the Internal Audit team visited accounting students at Nelson Mandela University on 20 May 2026 during the Department of Accounting’s Career Day. The engagement focused on creating awareness around internal auditing as a dynamic and value-adding profession, while also providing students with practical insights into the working world of governance, risk management, and assurance.
The outreach programme continued on 22 May 2026 with a visit to Thembalethu High School, where Grade 11 learners were introduced to internal auditing as a meaningful and sustainable career path. Through age-appropriate, interactive, and engaging activities, the team aims to create early awareness of the profession and encourage learners to pursue careers in accounting, auditing, and governance.
“This initiative was a teaching and learning opportunity for both the students and ourselves. We wanted to share real-world experiences, outline industry expectations, and demonstrate the positive impact internal auditors can make within organisations and communities,” said Zimasa Bulo (Senior Internal Auditor).
Topics covered during the university engagement included:
• The importance and impact of internal auditing within organisations
• The definition, purpose, and scope of internal auditing
• Fundamental concepts such as risk management, governance, and internal controls
• Career opportunities and professional pathways within internal auditing
• Opportunities available through the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa Siyakhula Student Membership programme
The awareness campaign also showcased the Internal Audit Unit’s commitment to creativity and innovation in public sector engagement. Rather than relying solely on formal presentations, the team incorporated interactive discussions, practical examples, and audience participation to create a more memorable and meaningful learning experience.
Reacting to the George Municipality visit, Mr Ewayne Le Roux, Accounting Lecturer at Nelson Mandela University and member of the George Municipality Audit Committee commented:
“The Internal Audit team from George Municipality brought valuable and practical insights on the role of internal auditing in the public sector. Students gained insight into the professional pathways into the internal audit profession, as well as the important contribution internal auditors make in strengthening accountability, governance, risk management and operational efficiency.”
The campaign not only strengthened awareness of the profession but also highlighted the important role municipalities can play in educational development and community engagement. By reaching both university students and high school learners, the Internal Audit Unit demonstrated its commitment to developing future talent pipelines and building greater understanding of the profession across different educational levels.
“The key message we wanted learners and students to take away is that internal auditing is more than compliance—it is about critical thinking, problem-solving, integrity, and creating meaningful change within organisations,” Mr JP Rossouw (Chief Audit Executive) added.
The engagements were well received and generated positive interaction and participation from attendees, reflecting the value of practical industry exposure and professional representation. The Internal Audit Unit believes that initiatives such as these contribute meaningfully towards building awareness, inspiring future professionals, and positioning internal auditing as a modern, relevant, and impactful profession.
Officials from the George Municipality Internal Audit team.
Nelson Mandela University students listening to a presentation from the George Municipality Interal Audit team.
Kloper Mabunda from Internal Audit, presenting at Nelson Mandela University.
Zimasa Bulo, Senior Internal Auditor, addressing the students at Nelson Mandela University.
JP Rossouw,Chief Audit Executive, present to the students at Nelson Mandela University.