Executive Mayor Welcomes New Audit Committee Chairperson

In the photo from left to right: Ms Louise Stevens (Chairperson of the Audit Committee), Alderman Jackie von Brandis (Executive Mayor of George) and Jean-Pierre Rossouw, (Chief Audit Executive, George Municipality)

George Municipality’s Executive Mayor, Alderman Jackie von Brandis, and Municipal Manager, Mr Godfrey Louw, officially welcomed Ms Louise Stevens, the newly appointed Chairperson of the George Municipal Audit Committee, during an introductory meeting held on 22 May 2025.

Ms Stevens was appointed as Chairperson of the Audit Committee on 24 April 2025. The meeting provided an opportunity for the new Chairperson to engage with the Executive Mayor, the Municipal Manager, the Internal Audit team, and the directors of the municipality. The discussions focused on key challenges and opportunities facing the Municipality and explored ways in which the Audit Committee can offer strategic oversight and guidance.

Ms Stevens brings over two decades of extensive internal auditing experience to the role. She is a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), holds a Certification in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA) and is certified in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) through the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). She currently also serves as Chairperson of the Audit Committee at Cape Agulhas Municipality and as a member of the Audit Committee for the Western Cape Provincial Government (Jobs Cluster).

Alderman von Brandis expressed her confidence in Ms Stevens’ leadership and expertise: “We are honoured to welcome Ms Stevens to the George Municipality. Her depth of knowledge and impressive track record in governance and internal audit will add immense value to our oversight structures. We look forward to working closely with her and the committee to strengthen our accountability and service delivery,” said Ald von Brandis.

Ms Stevens expressed her appreciation for the warm welcome and her commitment to contributing meaningfully to the Municipality’s governance: “It is a privilege to take up this role and engage with such a dynamic and committed leadership team. The Audit Committee plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and the efficient use of public resources. I look forward to supporting the Municipality in achieving its strategic goals and serving the people of George with integrity,” said Ms Stevens.

The George Municipal Audit Committee is an independent advisory body established in terms of Section 166(1) of the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA), No. 56 of 2003. The Committee performs a range of oversight responsibilities as stipulated in the MFMA, the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act (2011), the Municipal Structures Amendment Act (2021), and in accordance with its charter as approved by the Council.

In addition, the Audit Committee also acts as the Municipality’s Performance Management Audit Committee in terms of Regulation 14(2) of the Local Government: Municipal Planning and Performance Management Regulations, 2001.

The George Municipality Internal Audit team is celebrating International Internal Audit Awareness Month during May with a series of activities aimed at promoting the value of internal auditing and strengthening a culture of good governance. Jean-Pierre Rossouw, the George Municipality’s Chief Audit Executive, noted that the meeting with the new Audit Committee Chairperson aligns perfectly with the campaign’s objectives.

“This engagement is a fitting highlight in our Internal Audit Month programme. It highlights the importance of strong partnerships and sound oversight structures in achieving transparent and accountable governance,” said Rossouw.

Ms Stevens echoed these sentiments and reflected on the significance of the month: “May is a time to celebrate internal auditors around the world—They play a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and effective governance within organisations. From the perspective of the Audit Committee, their contribution is especially critical. Audit Committees rely heavily on the internal audit function to identify emerging risks, provide objective insights, and support informed decision-making. Together, organisations and their Audit Committees can highlight and reinforce the value of internal audit in driving continuous improvement and strengthening organisational integrity.”