George Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit Inspires Future Auditors During Awareness Month

In the photo: Municipal Internal Audit Team with 3^rd year accounting students and lecturer at Nelson Mandela University

In celebration of Internal Audit Awareness Month, George Municipality’s Internal Audit Unit embraced a 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.

As part of the campaign, the Internal Audit team visited third-year accounting students at Nelson Mandela University’s George Campus. The objective was to share professional insights, foster greater awareness of internal auditing, and inspire future professionals.

“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,” said Zimasa Bulo, Senior Internal Auditor at George Municipality.

Key topics covered during the session included:
• The importance and impact of internal auditing in organisations
• The definition, purpose, and scope of internal auditing
• Fundamental concepts such as risk management, control, and governance
• Career paths and roles in internal auditing
• IIASA Siyakhula Student Membership opportunities

Student Feedback:
Reacting to the George Municipality’s visit, third-year accounting student Josh Loubser said:
“The internal auditing team from George Municipality brought a fresh perspective and insight 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.”

Loubser added: “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.”

The visit left a strong impression. “We believe a seed has been planted among these future professionals,” Bulo said. “Not only did we share knowledge, but we also gained renewed energy and fresh insights from the students.”

Looking ahead, the Internal Audit 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 Row 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). Second row: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).