Outgoing auditor-general Kimi Makwetu has died.
His office announced his death on Wednesday afternoon.
“Mr Makwetu passed away in hospital. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in June 2018,” the office said in a statement.
Makwetu, who grew up in Cape Town and would have turned 55 in January, has been one of the most respected public servants over the past decade.
He would have finished his term as auditor-general 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 the 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).
Over the past 13 years Makwetu formed part of the leadership of the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), first as deputy auditor-general, and then as head of the office that has to audit all spheres of the government and all state departments and entities.
A highlight of Makwetu’s term as auditor-general was the amendment to the Public Audit Act that gave his office more teeth.
Strengthening preventive measures and ensuring accountability had 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 his work affected.
Over the past few years audit outcomes across all spheres of government have, for the most part, continued to regress, but Makwetu continued to emphasise the important role of leadership and preventive measures to turn the situation about.
The ANC and the DA expressed sadness at the passing of Makwetu on Wednesday.
The ANC said Makwetu’s death was a huge loss to the auditing profession and the ongoing task of building an accountable administration.
“Makwetu served his profession and the people of SA with distinction and dignity. As we mourn Makwetu’s passing and ponder the future, let us make a solemn commitment never to abandon his proud legacy of clean and accountable administration,” spokesperson Pule Mabe said.
The DA said Makwetu had served with dignity and excellence.
“The DA salutes Makwetu’s service to his country and trust that his legacy will have a lasting impression on all public servants and AGSA,” MP Jan de Villiers said. – Business Day