By Siphiwo Dlamini (EPN intern)
MBABANE – The Office of the Auditor General, Eswatini’s Supreme Audit Institution (SAI), has welcomed a delegation from the African Organisation for English-Speaking Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI-E), who paid a courtesy visit to the Chairman of the Civil Service Commission (CSC), Simanga Mamba.
The visit aimed to share ongoing efforts to strengthen the SAI’s capacity.
AFROSAI-E is supporting the implementation of an automated audit system called the Eswatini SAI Enhancement Tool (E-SEAT), which is designed to enhance the efficiency and quality of audits.
E-SEAT enables a SAI to manage its audit processes—including planning, execution, reporting, quality control, and assurance—through a customisable, automated system. The AFROSAI-E team is led by Executive Officer Josephine Makumba, accompanied by Technical Managers Fredrick Bobo (Information Systems) and Wilna Degenaar (Capacity Building, HR, and Leadership Development).
Chairman Mamba expressed gratitude to AFROSAI-E for its ongoing support in the professionalisation of the SAI, particularly in equipping audit staff with relevant skills to produce impactful and high-quality audits. “Times are evolving, and Government bodies such as the CSC and Public Service must adapt. The Office of the Auditor General is entering an era where audits should focus not only on financial compliance but also on delivering value for money. As the Office’s capacity grows, qualifications and relevant skills become essential for auditors to contribute meaningfully to government operations,” Mamba said.
Auditor General Timothy Matsebula also appreciated the CSC’s support, especially in providing skilled personnel to help the Office fulfil its mandate. “We are currently training the latest cohort of auditors recruited to the SAI to become Certified Government Auditors, through MoUs signed with professional partners,” he stated.
Additionally, the SAI is conducting internal training on performance audit methodology and receiving continuous support from AFROSAI-E. Performance auditors are also enrolled in certification programmes through the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (INTOSAI) to become Certified Performance Auditors. Continuous capacity building is vital to ensure audit staff maintain their professional competence.
The E-SEAT training programme for local auditors will span three weeks, delivered by both international experts and experienced local professionals within the SAI.
