12 Nov 2015

Transfer of skills through international exposure to seasoned internal auditors enables Batswana to gain best practices, the Permanent Secretary to the President Mr Carter Morupisi has said.  

Opening the Institute of Internal Auditors Botswana (IIAB) Conference, Mr Morupisi called upon the local internal auditors to use the available opportunities to enhance their personal careers.

The PSP said the theme of the conference Sustainable Governance Environment: The role of Internal Audit, challenges all to be responsible and accountable individuals and corporates who are proponents of good governance in everything they do.

“This theme also reaffirms the importance of your role as internal auditors towards the attainment of any organisational goals and objectives,” he said.

Mr Morupisi said in a world where corruption, mismanagement, fraud and poor service delivery are rampant, internal audit proves to be a very critical role in reversing such trends.

“It is thus encouraging that meetings such as this one, provide a conducive environment for you; subject matter specialists, to compare notes and deliberate on how best you can make the most impact in your various countries, in pushing reforms that will frustrate the negative trends,” he said.

He challenged the internal auditors to ensure that they monitor compliance and provide necessary guidance to their organisations.

“I say this because whilst it can be a rare occasion, in some instances auditors become so good at their jobs that they themselves end up auditing their own territory and giving false impressions that their books are clean,” he said.

He said their role is to advise their leaders and fellow colleagues to ensure utmost efficiency, especially when they talk about internal auditors.

He said the government remains fully committed to eliminating corruption and creating an environment where good governance reigns through all structures. He said the government has clearly outlined zero tolerance to corruption as one of its key strategic deliverables.

He said the government believes that if controls are tight and human resources are fully aware of the consequences of corruption on the socio-economic agenda, there will be a corrupt free society.

He said they should note that they have an obligation to continuously sensitise the public on the cons of corruption and maladministration.

“I request IIAB to partner with us in our efforts to educate all stakeholders on these matters and completely eradicate them,” he said.

 

“I am sure you will agree with me that our democracy can only grow if all of us, internal auditors and other assurance providers can work together and put our shoulders on the wheel for the common good of our beautiful Botswana,” he said. Ends