George Municipality Welcomes New Audit Committee Chairperson to Enhance Governance

George, South Africa – On May 22, 2025, George Municipality celebrated a significant addition to its team. Ms. Louise Stevens, a seasoned internal auditor with over 20 years of experience, has officially stepped into her role as the Chairperson of the George Municipal Audit Committee. The appointment, officiated by Executive Mayor Alderman Jackie von Brandis and Municipal Manager Mr. Godfrey Louw, marks a pivotal moment aimed at fortifying the Municipality's governance frameworks.

Ms. Stevens is not new to the demands of such critical roles. Her dual certifications as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) underline her robust expertise in the field. Her past roles have included leadership positions in audit committees across the Western Cape, including Cape Agulhas Municipality and the Western Cape Provincial Government’s Jobs Cluster.

The ceremony was more than just a formal welcome. It served as a strategic meeting among municipal leaders, including Jean-Pierre Rossouw, Chief Audit Executive at George Municipality, to discuss challenges, opportunities, and the path forward for enhanced municipal governance. The discussions underscored the significant responsibility the Audit Committee holds in safeguarding transparency, accountability, and the diligent use of public resources.

"The Audit Committee’s role as an independent advisory body is crucial. Under Ms. Stevens’ guidance, we anticipate new strategies that will bolster our oversight and performance management practices," stated Alderman von Brandis during the meeting. Her sentiments were echoed by Ms. Stevens, who expressed her dedication to upholding the highest standards of governance and accountability in her new role.

In a timely coincidence, the event coincided with International Internal Audit Awareness Month. This year’s theme focuses on the critical role internal auditing plays in public sector governance. Jean-Pierre Rossouw highlighted the alignment of the new appointment with the ongoing campaigns to promote the value of internal audits. “Welcoming Ms. Stevens during this month emphasizes the integral role Audit Committees and internal auditors have in fostering a culture of integrity and continuous improvement,” Rossouw noted.

The George Municipal Audit Committee, mandated by various legislative frameworks including the Municipal Finance Management Act (MFMA) and the Local Government: Municipal Systems Amendment Act, is tasked with a broad spectrum of oversight responsibilities. These include everything from financial management to performance auditing, encompassing a crucial aspect of municipal governance that ensures service delivery aligns with statutory and ethical standards.

Ms. Stevens’ appointment is a strategic move anticipated to bring a fresh perspective and reinforce governance structures within George Municipality. It is a leap towards enhancing the checks and balances that are fundamental to the effective functioning of public institutions.