As organisations generate unprecedented volumes of data, internal audit functions have an opportunity to move beyond traditional assurance and deliver the insights that drive better decisions, stronger governance and improved organisational performance. In a world where organisations are generating more data than ever before, the ability to collect information is no longer a competitive advantage.
Leveraging Data Analytics in Audit Read More »
There was a time when organisations struggled to find information. Decisions were often influenced by instinct, experience and limited visibility into what was happening across the business. Today, the challenge is very different. Most organisations have access to more information than they know what to do with. Every transaction, customer interaction, website visit, procurement process,
The Story Your Data Tells Read More »
Rethinking What Audit Outcomes Really Tell Us Every time allegations of corruption emerge within a public institution, municipality, state-owned enterprise or large organisation, the same question inevitably follows: “But didn’t they receive a clean audit?” The question reflects a belief that many of us have come to accept without much scrutiny. We tend to view
When Clean Audits Meet Corruption Allegations Read More »
Automation and the Future of Professional Judgement The auditing profession has spent decades pursuing a legitimate objective: improving audit quality through greater consistency. Methodologies have become increasingly structured, technology has become deeply embedded within the audit process, and automated workflows now guide many aspects of the audit process. The benefits are undeniable. Standardisation reduces the
Are Auditors Thinking Less? Read More »
Why consultant-led audit readiness cannot replace year-round financial management? Every year, public sector entities develop audit action plans aimed at improving audit outcomes. Yet many of these plans have a familiar feature: the appointment of consultants to prepare annual financial statements and support audit readiness. In some cases, this intervention becomes the primary response to
Audit Outcomes Are Not Created at Year-End Read More »
Could Your Business Benefit from Turnover Tax? A qualifying business generating R2 million in revenue could pay as little as R30,500 in Turnover Tax. Understanding one of South Africa’s most underutilised tax opportunities for small businesses For many entrepreneurs, managing tax obligations can feel like a full-time job. Between serving customers, managing cash flow and
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The Seat at the Table: What Boards Expect from Internal Audit Reflections from the Bagaka Group x NRF 2026 Chief Audit Executives Leadership Forum At the Bagaka Group x NRF 2026 Chief Audit Executives Leadership Forum, the keynote address challenged Internal Audit to evolve from a compliance-focused function to a strategic partner. The first panel
The Seat at the Table Read More »
Internal Audit’s Strategic Evolution: A Reflection from the Bagaka Group x NRF 2026 CAE Leadership Forum At the Bagaka Group x NRF 2026 Chief Audit Executives Leadership Forum, one message stood out above all others. In his keynote address, NRF Chief Financial Officer and Group Executive: Finance & Supply Chain, Bishen Singh, challenged audit leaders
Internal Audit’s Strategic Evolution Read More »
Governance, Risk and Internal Audit Perspective on March on March Protests The recent March‑on‑March protests in South Africa, driven by opposition to the presence of illegal foreigners, have exposed significant vulnerabilities in organisational governance and risk management. In some cases, operations have been disrupted, particularly in markets and trading environments where foreign nationals form a
Managing Socio-Political Risk in South Africa Read More »
The Nine Pillars of Internal Audit’s Strategic Role Internal audit is not merely a compliance mechanism; it is a strategic partner that strengthens governance, risk management, and organisational resilience. To achieve this role, at least the following nine pillars must be firmly established and consistently reinforced. 1. Board and Committee Support The strategic positioning of