George Municipality hosts Bitou Municipality for Internal Audit Knowledge-Sharing and Benchmarking Engagement

In the photo above are from left in the front, Zimasa Bulo, Sanelisiwe Kopeshe, Carlos Koeberg, Jean-Pierre Rossouw, Margot Volmink , Thembisa Xakekile  and Kloper Mabunda. At the back are Natacha Martins, Nompilo Xoxani, Bongiwe Mgwali, Sikelelwa Masiza, Xolisile Sotushe and Heybrè Ellis.

George Municipality successfully hosted a knowledge-sharing and benchmarking engagement with Bitou Municipality on 8 April 2026, focusing on Internal Audit practices within the local government environment. The engagement formed part of the Municipality’s ongoing efforts to promote good governance, transparency, and continuous improvement across municipalities. It also provided an opportunity to share Internal Audit processes and exchange practical insights with a peer institution.

Discussions covered key components of an effective Internal Audit function, including governance frameworks, risk-based planning, audit execution methodologies, reporting practices, performance management, and the use of data analytics and emerging technologies. Attention was also given to aligning Internal Audit activities with strategic municipal frameworks such as the Integrated Development Plan (IDP), Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plan (SDBIP), and identified risk areas.

George Municipality’s Internal Audit unit outlined its current approach, which includes:
• An Internal Audit Charter supporting independence and authority
• Reporting lines to Executive Management and the Audit Committee
• A Quality Assurance and Improvement Programme (QAIP)
• Risk-based strategic and annual audit planning
• The use of data analytics and emerging technologies, including AI tools
• Ongoing monitoring, reporting, and follow-up processes

The sessions further provided an overview of audit lifecycle processes, including planning, fieldwork, reporting, and issue tracking, as well as performance measurement and stakeholder engagement practices.
“These benchmarking engagements reflect our commitment not only to maintaining high Internal Audit standards within George Municipality, but also to contributing meaningfully to the broader local government sector,” said Jean-Pierre Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive at the George Municipality. “We believe that collaboration and knowledge-sharing are key to strengthening governance across all municipalities.”

The visiting municipality was afforded the opportunity to engage in discussions, raise questions, and explore areas for possible future collaboration, including peer learning initiatives and follow-up technical engagements. George Municipality remains committed to supporting initiatives that strengthen governance and enhance institutional capacity within the local government sector.

Jean-Pierre Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive.

Senior Internal Auditor-Zimasa Bulo