Speaking at the 12th African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors Conference in Cape Town, Kholeka Gcaleka said accountability systems must work together to combat corruption and maladministration effectively.
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has urged auditors to become the first line of defence against corruption, warning that corruption in South Africa has evolved into a coordinated system that infiltrates institutions through irregular appointments, procurement manipulation, and weakened governance structures.
Speaking at the 12th African Federation of Institutes of Internal Auditors Conference in Cape Town on Monday, Gcaleka said auditors had a critical role in preventing corruption before public resources are lost and state institutions are damaged.
She said corruption continued to place a heavy burden on the African continent, estimating that it costs Africa about US$148 billion (R2.42 trillion).
“Corruption continues to cost Africa, an estimated US$148 billion,” Gcaleka said.
