The chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors SA (IIA SA), James Gourrah, today announced the appointment of Julius Mojapelo as the organisation’s new CEO. Mojapelo currently serves as the Acting Executive for Members and Global Alliances at the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) where he manages four divisions. He specialises in public finance management, reporting, assurance, governance, human resources and business development. A graduate of the University of the Western Cape, he is a chartered accountant and a member of the IIA SA.

He has been at SAICA since 2015 and has previously served as a senior executive responsible for the public sector. It was here he cut his teeth implementing and driving projects relating to the management of finances in government departments, municipalities as well as schools and tertiary institutions. Mojapelo will officially assume office on June 1. Gourrah said he and the IIA SA board were impressed by Mojapelo’s energy and intrinsic understanding of the internal audit sector as well as his knowledge of member-led organisations such as the IIA SA. He said: “In addition, we live in uncertain times with Covid-19 changing how we all function as individuals, organisations and as a society.

And, when you throw into the mix South Africa’s recent crises surrounding maladministration and corporate malfeasance, we feel he is the right person to lead IIA SA and its members into the future.” To this end, Gourrah said, Mojapelo “exhibited the right outlook, authenticity, drive, passion and competence to integrate into this role and industry effectively”. He said: “Having come from within the industry, Mr Mojapelo brings with him an acute knowledge of the challenges faced by professional bodies in South Africa - both previous and current - and will be able to leverage his experience, skills and learning from SAICA into the IIA SA.

He is very excited at the opportunity to create an impact.” Prior to joining SAICA, Mojapelo was a senior manager at auditing firm Nkonki Incorporated. He is currently the chairperson of the Public Sector Audit Committee Forum and sits on the Interim Oversight Board of the African Professionalisation Initiative. He is also a social activist passionate about education and works with several charities and non-profit organisations.

He is involved in an initiative to provide extra tuition for learners in township schools and, as part of his work with SAICA, developed a school finance management system currently being reviewed by the education authorities with a view to it becoming standardised.

On his appointment as the IIA SA CEO, Mojapelo said: “I am ready to roll up my sleeves and lead our members and this fine organisation into what is clearly an uncertain future. How we do our business, conduct risk and assurance, ensure the highest form of governance and maintain ethical behaviour when things around us are being upended by either a public health crisis crippling our economy or corruption is what we, as the internal audit sector, must now grapple with.” He said these and other myriad challenges should be viewed positively as it could necessitate constructive changes to how internal audit is now conducted in fast-changing environments.

“I foresee challenges but I also foresee change for the better. These and other obstacles will simply make us wiser, more responsive and acting quicker as to how we do our jobs and ensuring that things are done properly and in the right manner that benefits all in our society and not just a few.” Mojapelo takes over from Dr. Claudelle von Eck who left to pursue other interests after ten years as CEO.

Gourrah thanked Acting CEO, Charles Nel, for his sterling work in running the organisation in the interim. He said: “Mr. Nel is the head of the technical department of the IIA SA and his steady hand, leadership and intrinsic knowledge of the organisation has served us well during this period. We thank him profusely for all his effort and hard work.”

-- ENDS -- 

*** Attention Journalists/Producers/News Editors: IIA SA chairman, James Gourrah, is available for interviews on this or any other related issues

About IIA SA
The Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) is part of an international network representing the interests of internal auditors worldwide. As a part of this international network, the IIA SA upholds and supports the fundamental tenets of the profession - the Code of Ethics and the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing. The IIA SA supports the profession by providing a wide range of services dedicated to the education and advancement of internal auditors and promoting and developing the profession in South Africa. The IIA SA’s objectives are to build the profession, its credibility and a thriving business environment in South Africa. 

For further information contact: Moshe Kola
Department Head: Communications and Business Development (IIA SA)
Tel: +27 11 450-1040
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.