Presidents Note
Karl Marx once said, “Men make their own history, but they do not make it as they please; they do not make it under self-selected circumstances, but under circumstances existing already, given and transmitted from the past”.
The past 28 have shown us that the legacy of apartheid still haunts us, in terms of economic structure, socialist structure, education, health, and infrastructure. But this has worsened under the current leadership due to corruption and inability to service the people, but oneself, the elite and cronies.
Message from the past 28 years, including state capture revelations, says to us: Repeating the same rookie mistake, made by yourself or by other leaders like you, can cost this country heavily the second time around. So, think twice before leading the country down that same road again. You do not want to witness your own tragedy.
Poor governance and corruption have afflicted the country for long periods, with little progress being made to improve financial management and local government accountability.
Therefore, discussions at SAIGA 2nd Annual Conference had to focus on how public sector accountants and audit experts can help state entities achieve clean audit results, improve service delivery, and promote good governance.
There is a need to move with urgency towards relieving our people of pain and suffering plunged into by our leaders. We should advocate for the concept of some elements of the welfare state, at least to the extent that it protects and promotes the economic and social well-being of its citizens.
The accounting and auditing profession has created a situation where they are far removed and disconnected from the societal issues based on among others, communication that is not simple to understand. (Written by them, for themselves), lack of advocacy roles in policies and societal/social issues and the lack of participation in community issues/projects and meetings.
This has to change.
Lastly, in many countries, there is an increased emphasis on words such as participation, transparency, and accountability in governance – social audits bring these words to life.
Summary of the SAIGA 2nd Annual Conference address by President Phillip Rakgwale: 15 September 2022.
