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The outgoing auditor general, Kimi Makwetu, has died.
In a statement, his office announced his death Wednesday afternoon.
“Mr. Makwetu passed away in the hospital. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in June 2018, ”the office said.
Makwetu, who grew up in Cape Town and would have turned 55 in January, has been one of the most respected public servants for the past decade.
His mandate as auditor general would have ended at the end of November.
“We ask the public to keep the family in their thoughts as they come to terms with his passing, and to give them privacy and space to deal with his passing,” the office said.
Earlier this month it was announced that Makwetu was appointed to the UN Independent Audit Advisory Committee (IAAC).
For the last 13 years Makwetu was part of the leadership of the SA Auditor General (AGSA), first as deputy auditor general and then as head of the office that must audit all spheres of government and all state departments and entities.
A highlight of Makwetu’s tenure as auditor general was the amendment to the Public Audit Law that strengthened his office. Strengthening preventive measures and ensuring accountability has been an important focus of Makwetu.
In an interview with Business Day last month, Makwetu said he believed his legacy should be judged by those affected by his work.
In recent years, the results of audits in all spheres of government, for the most part, have continued to recede, but Makwetu continued to emphasize the important role of leadership and preventive measures to change the situation.
The ANC and DA expressed their sadness at Makwetu’s passing on Wednesday.
The ANC said Makwetu’s death was a great loss to the auditing profession and the ongoing task of building responsible administration.
“Makwetu served his profession and the people of SA with distinction and dignity. As we mourn Makwetu’s passing and reflect on the future, let us make a solemn commitment to never abandon his proud legacy of clean and responsible stewardship, ”said spokesman Pule Mabe.
The district attorney said Makwetu had served with dignity and excellence.
“The district attorney salutes Makwetu’s service to his country and is confident that his legacy will make a lasting impression on all public servants and AGSA,” said Deputy Jan de Villiers.
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