Sudden death of the Auditor General of South Africa, Kimi Makwetu

It is with deep sadness and a great sense of loss that the INTOSAI community received the news that Kimi Makwetu, the Auditor General of South Africa, Chair of the INTOSAI Capacity Building Committee and Member of the IDI Board, passed away unexpectedly yesterday, 11 November 2020.

Kimi Makwetu was a highly esteemed colleague and friend who will be profoundly missed by all who have known and worked with him. The INTOSAI family has lost an icon, a permanent fighter for SAI’s independence, for good governance, transparency, integrity and the professionalization of auditors. Over many years he essentially shaped, influenced and strengthened INTOSAI and external government audit. He will also be remembered as one of the main creators of the landmark document INTOSAI-P 12, “The Value and Benefits of Supreme Audit Institutions – making a difference to the lives of citizens”. In the last years he was especially committed to the implementation of the UN 2030 Agenda and the SDGs within the frame of INTOSAI.

It is without any doubt that Kimi’s work and his energetic personality and great expertise have influenced the international audit community and will continue to leave an imprint on INTOSAI. He will be deeply missed for a long time.

Our thoughts and compassion are with his family and our colleagues in the Office of the Auditor General of South Africa.