The much-anticipated InterSAI study tour made a grand return in 2024, after a four-year break caused by the global COVID-19 pandemic. Hosted by the Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) of Botswana, the event took place in Gaborone, Botswana, from the 6th to the 7th of September 2024, under the theme: SAI Reform Post COVID-19. This year’s tour reaffirmed its purpose of strengthening relations between SAIs, facilitating knowledge exchange, and celebrating cultural diversity.
The last InterSAI event had taken place in Eswatini in 2019, before the pandemic brought such international gatherings to a halt. The 2024 tour was marked by a renewed sense of collaboration, as SAIs sought to address the challenges faced post-pandemic and shared best practices in reforming and strengthening audit institutions.
The two-day event was filled with both professional and cultural highlights. Traditional music and dance performances showcased the cultural richness of the participating countries. Each nation proudly presented its heritage, promoting unity and providing participants with a unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the diverse traditions of Southern Africa.
On the professional front, each participating SAI delivered a presentation on a specific topic related to the event’s theme, SAI Reform Post COVID-19. These presentations allowed SAIs to share their reform strategies, innovative and technological approaches, and lessons learned from the pandemic, furthering knowledge exchange and professional development among institutions.
In the friendly competition, sporting activities added a lively element to the event. Participants competed in aerobics, team-building activities, athletics, netball, volleyball, and football. SAI Lesotho emerged as a standout, winning first place in the relay marathon, securing another first in the men’s 100m sprint, and triumphing in the volleyball competition.
The event culminated in a gala dinner on Saturday night, where the Auditors-General delivered their closing remarks. They reflected on the importance of the InterSAI study tour, emphasising that it remains a key platform for strengthening relationships, sharing best practices, and promoting both professional and cultural exchanges. They also highlighted the significance of the theme, noting that the post-COVID era presents unique opportunities for reform within SAIs.
Lesotho, Botswana, Eswatini, and Namibia participated in the event, with South Africa attending as an observer. South Africa expressed its interest in becoming a full participant in future tours. The successful resumption of the InterSAI study tour marks a new chapter in regional cooperation and underscores the commitment of Southern African SAIs to professional development and cultural solidarity.
For pictures click here.
The Office of the Auditor-General (OAG) hosted the Audit Advisory Committee (AAC) familiarisation workshop on 23 July 2024. The workshop was held under the theme, “Advancing Corporate Governance in the Office of the Auditor-General.”
The workshop was held to welcome two new AAC members, Advocate Lintle Tuke, President of the Law Society of Lesotho, and Ms. Ntšiuoa Jaase, representing the Principal Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning. The workshop aimed to familiarise the new members with the OAG’s mandate, role, functions, achievements, and challenges, and to provide them with insights on good governance.
Key issues discussed by the Chairperson of the AAC, Mr. Sebehela Selepe, in his opening remarks, included the AAC’s role in helping the OAG achieve independence to improve its performance and duties. He mentioned that one of the Office’s primary goals in the ongoing National Reforms process is to transform the OAG so that it reports directly to a specific Parliamentary committee, rather than having its reports presented to and tabled by the Minister of Finance and Development Planning. The aim is to elevate the OAG to the status of a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) within the Constitution.
Mr. Chaka Nkofo, the Managing Director and Principal Consultant of Ahava Consulting, delivered a comprehensive presentation on key issues such as board excellence, the directorship landscape, and common challenges in directorship and board management. He emphasised the importance of excellence in boards and corporate governance, particularly in the public sector, and highlighted the crucial role to be played by the AAC in this regard. Mr. Nkofo further shared best practices and insights on creating high-performing board teams, offering valuable guidance to participants on enhancing governance and oversight in the public sector.
The AAC members and the Management of the OAG attended the workshop. For pictures click here
A fun-walk career guidance was held as part of public outreach campaign, to raise awareness about the OAG’s role, significance and its impact. Participants included auditors, media, ‘Mamathe High School (Grades 10 and 11) as well as Berea’s District Education Manager and District Administrator. The event was held on the 25th September 2023. For pictures click here.