by Tech Talk | Mar 21, 2024 | Articles
Today, the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) has joined in the country-wide celebrations of Human Rights Day with a focus on auditors for accountability and human rights.
Guided by the theme “Three Decades of Respect for and Promotion of Human Rights”, President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Thursday deliver the keynote address at the 2024 Human Rights Day commemoration to be held at the George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville, Gauteng.
SAIGA’s Chief Executive Officer, Russell Morena says that as an organisation dedicated to promoting good governance and transparency in the public sector, SAIGA recognises the importance of upholding human rights in all facets of society, particularly within government institutions.
Human Rights Day commemorates the Sharpeville massacre on March 21, 1960, when unarmed demonstrators were shot and killed by police during a peaceful protest against apartheid pass laws.
This day, therefore, serves as a reminder of the struggles and sacrifices made by those who fought for human rights and equality in South Africa. It also symbolises the ongoing commitment to upholding human rights in the country and serves as a call to action for all South Africans to work towards a just and equitable society.
“As auditors, SAIGA members play a crucial role in promoting accountability, transparency, and good governance within the public sector. They are responsible for ensuring that government funds are used efficiently and effectively, and that public institutions adhere to ethical and legal standards. By holding public officials and institutions accountable, auditors contribute to the protection and promotion of human rights, as they help to prevent corruption, the misuse of funds, and other malpractices that can undermine the rights of citizens,” says Morena.
He says SAIGA celebrates Human Rights Day by reaffirming its commitment to promoting accountability and human rights in the public sector. “Through its training programmes, advocacy efforts, and professional development initiatives, the organisation equips its members with the knowledge and skills needed to effectively carry out their responsibilities as auditors. This includes conducting thorough and independent audits, reporting on findings, and recommending corrective actions to ensure that public resources are used for the benefit of all South Africans,” Morena adds.
In addition to its direct work in the public sector, Morena further says that SAIGA also partners with civil society organisations, human rights groups, and other stakeholders to advocate for good governance and transparency. “By collaborating with these groups, SAIGA contributes to the broader human rights agenda in South Africa, amplifying the impact of its efforts and fostering a culture of accountability across the country,” Morena says.
On this Human Rights Day, South Africans must all continue to uphold the values of justice, equality, and respect for human dignity. “SAIGA’s work in this regard is crucial to achieving these goals. Let us all work together to ensure that the principles of Human Rights Day are upheld throughout the year, and that the legacy of those who fought for human rights in South Africa is honoured through our commitment to accountability and transparency,” concludes Morena.
by Tech Talk | Mar 15, 2024 | News
The Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) recognises and supports the annual celebration of World Consumer Rights Day on March 15. This global event aims to raise awareness about consumer rights and needs, and is aligned with SAIGA’s commitment to promoting good governance and accountability.
The theme for World Consumer Rights Day 2024, “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers,” is particularly relevant in the contemporary era where artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly shaping products and services. As AI becomes more prevalent in various industries, it is essential to ensure that it is developed and used ethically, respecting the rights and needs of consumers.
SAIGA emphasises the importance of ethical artificial intelligence (AI), as it can have a significant impact on consumer rights. AI has the potential to transform the way businesses interact with consumers, from personalised recommendations to automated customer service. However, there are concerns about the potential misuse of AI, such as bias in algorithmic decision-making, privacy violations and lack of transparency in AI systems.
In the context of consumer rights, the Chief Executive Officer of SAIGA, Russel Morena speaking on the sidelines of the SAIGA Audit and Finance Indaba, which took place at the Investec Pretoria Office on Friday said that there are several key principles that should guide the development and use of AI. Firstly, he said AI systems should be designed to ensure fairness and non-discrimination, avoiding bias in decision-making processes. This is especially important in areas such as credit scoring, hiring processes, and criminal justice, where AI systems can amplify existing inequalities.
Secondly, Mr Morena said consumer privacy should be safeguarded in the use of AI. As AI systems often rely on large amounts of personal data, there is a risk of privacy violations if proper safeguards are not in place. Consumers should have control over their personal data and be informed about how it is being used in AI systems.
Transparency is another essential principle for ethical AI. Consumers should be able to understand how AI systems make decisions that affect them and have access to information about the use of AI in products and services. This transparency is crucial for building trust and accountability in the use of AI.
“SAIGA also recognises the need for responsible AI governance, which involves setting clear standards and guidelines for the development and use of AI. This should involve collaboration between governments, industry, and civil society to ensure that AI is used in a way that benefits consumers and society as a whole,” said Morena.
In summary, World Consumer Rights Day serves as an important reminder of the need to prioritise consumer rights in the development and use of AI. SAIGA supports the theme of “Fair and Responsible AI for Consumers” and advocates for ethical AI that respects consumer rights.
“By upholding principles of fairness, privacy, transparency and responsible governance, AI can be a force for positive change that benefits consumers and society,” Morena concluded.
by Tech Talk | Mar 13, 2024 | Articles
Big data has truly revolutionised the auditing and finance sector in South Africa. With the wealth of information available at their fingertips, auditors and finance professionals are now able to make more informed decisions, uncover patterns and trends, and provide better insights into the financial health of companies. This has not only improved the efficiency and accuracy of audits and financial reporting but has also opened up new opportunities for businesses to thrive in the competitive South African market.
Ahead of the Southern African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA) Audit and Finance Indaba 2024, Mr. Russel Morena, SAIGA Chief Executive Officer writes that one of the topics to be discussed at the event, which is scheduled to take place at the Investec Pretoria Office on Friday,15 March 2024, is the key ways in which big data has revolutionised the auditing and finance industry through the ability to analyse large volumes of data in real time.
In the past, auditors and finance professionals were limited by the amount of data they could feasibly analyse manually. With big data technologies, they can now sift through massive amounts of structured and unstructured data to uncover anomalies, trends and discrepancies more quickly and accurately than ever before.
This has had a profound impact on the auditing process, as auditors are now able to provide a more comprehensive and thorough review of a company’s financial records. They can identify potential risks and opportunities that were previously hidden in the vast sea of data, helping businesses to proactively address issues and make more informed strategic decisions.
In addition, big data has also played a crucial role in improving financial forecasting and risk management for businesses in South Africa. By analysing historical financial data alongside external factors such as market trends, economic indicators, and regulatory changes, finance professionals can gain a more holistic view of their company’s financial outlook. This allows them to make more accurate predictions and plan for potential risks, ultimately helping businesses to make more informed and strategic decisions.
Further, big data has completely changed the way financial fraud is detected and prevented in South Africa. With the ability to analyse large volumes of transactional data in real time, auditors can now identify irregularities and anomalies that may indicate fraudulent activity. This has helped to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of fraud detection, ultimately protecting businesses from financial loss and reputational damage.
As big data technologies continue to advance, the auditing and finance industry in South Africa is poised to experience even greater advancements in the years to come.
by Tech Talk | Mar 12, 2024 | Articles
The Southern African Institute of Government Auditors’ (SAIGA) inaugural Audit and Finance Indaba is an important event for auditors and finance professionals in South Africa. Themed ‘The Era of Big Data and Cybercrime’, this year’s Indaba reflects the growing importance of these two factors in the field of auditing and finance.
As the industry professionals count down the days to the Indaba, which is scheduled to take place at the Investec Pretoria Office on Friday, 15 March 2024, the SAIGA Chief Executive Officer, Russel Morena, writes about the risks, changes as well as the opportunities presented by big data and cybercrime in the field of auditing and finance in South Africa.
Big data has become a significant factor in the field of auditing and finance in recent years. With the advent of technology, companies and organisations are generating a huge amount of data every day. This data can be used to make informed financial decisions and to identify potential risks and opportunities. Auditors can use big data to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of their audits, leading to better financial governance and decision-making.
However, with the rise of big data, the risk of cybercrime has also increased. Cybercrime poses a significant threat to the financial and auditing sector in South Africa. Cybercriminals can steal sensitive financial information, disrupt financial systems, and even manipulate data for their own gain. Auditors and finance professionals need to be aware of these threats and take steps to protect their data and systems from cyber attacks.
The Indaba will present several opportunities for auditors, accountants and the finance sector professionals in South Africa. Firstly, it will provide an opportunity for them to learn about the latest developments in big data and cybercrime and how these factors are impacting the field of auditing and finance. They can gain insights into best practices for using big data in their audits and learn about the latest strategies for dealing with cybercrime.
Secondly, the theme also presents an opportunity for auditors and finance professionals to network with their peers and experts in the field. By exchanging ideas and experiences, they can gain a better understanding of how other professionals are using big data and combating cybercrime in their work. This can lead to valuable collaborations and partnerships that can benefit the entire industry.
Finally, the theme of the event will also provide an opportunity for auditors and finance professionals to showcase their own work and research in the field of big data and cybercrime. They can present their own strategies and solutions for using big data in audits and for protecting financial systems from cyber attacks. This can help to raise awareness of the importance of these factors in the industry and encourage more professionals to take them seriously.
The Institute has lined up high-profile speakers, who include Accountant General of South Africa and keynote speaker Shabeer Khan, Phillip Rakgwale, the Chief Audit Executive (Acting) City of Ekurhuleni, SAIPA Executive Prof Rashied Small, Accounting Standard Board CEO Jeanine Poggiolini, Sunday Times Deputy Editor Makhudu Sefara, Omar Kadwa, the Director at SNG Thornton and the CEO of IRBA, Imre Nagy, among others.
Rakgwale will give a presentation on ‘Emerging trends on public sector audits in the past three years (2021-2023) both PFMA and MFMA’ while Nagy, will speak about the journey of rotational audits in South Africa: challenges & success stories.
In conclusion, the theme of The Era of Big Data and Cybercrime at the SAIGA Inaugural Audit and Finance Indaba presents significant changes and opportunities for auditors and finance professionals in South Africa. By embracing big data and addressing the challenges of cybercrime, they can improve the effectiveness and accuracy of their audits and financial decision making. This event provides a valuable platform for them to learn from experts, network with their peers, and showcase their own work in this important and evolving field.
by Tech Talk | Mar 11, 2024 | Articles
The campaign theme for International Women’s Day 2024 was, “Inspire Inclusion” and it carries immense significance in our quest for a more equitable and just world. As we acknowledge and celebrate the achievements and contributions of women, it’s crucial to recognise the barriers they face as they strive for inclusion in all spheres of society.
In fact, according to the Chief Executive Officer of the Southern Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA), Russel Morena this is especially important in institutions like SAIGA where gender equality and diversity are essential for effective governance and the delivery of public services.
Morena explains: “The theme “Inspire Inclusion” speaks to the idea that when we inspire others to understand and value women’s inclusion, we create a more cohesive and prosperous society.”
In the context of SAIGA, Morena says this means fostering a work environment that promotes gender diversity and actively works to eliminate barriers that prevent women from fully participating in all levels of the organisation. It also means advocating for policies and practices that support women’s career advancement and provide equal opportunities for leadership and decision-making roles.
Further, Morena says that the theme emphasises the importance of women being empowered to advocate for their own inclusion. “When women feel a sense of belonging and relevance within an organisation like SAIGA, they are more likely to contribute their unique perspectives and talents, leading to better decision-making and improved governance outcomes,” he explains.
“By empowering women to be included and valued, we not only create a more equitable workplace but also a more effective and impactful organisation.”
Additionally, Morena says this is not just a moral imperative, but also a strategic advantage. “By harnessing the diverse perspectives and talents of women, SAIGA can better meet the needs of its members and stakeholders and promote good governance practices in the public sector. As auditors, it is essential for SAIGA to recognise the importance of gender diversity in understanding the complex challenges facing government institutions and in developing effective solutions.”
According to Morena, the theme “Inspire Inclusion” is a call to action for all members of SAIGA to actively work towards creating an environment where women are empowered, valued, and included.
“It’s an opportunity for the institute to demonstrate its commitment to gender equality and to set an example for other organisations in the public sector. By embracing this theme, SAIGA can lead the way in creating a more inclusive and equitable society, where the talents and contributions of women are fully recognised and utilised for the benefit of all,” concludes Morena.
