August 2019 - After ten highly successful years as CEO of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA SA), Dr. Claudelle von Eck, will be stepping down to pursue other interests.

She leaves behind a vibrant organisation boasting 8 000 members that has become a leading voice on ethics and corporate governance.

In the interim the Technical Department Head, Charles Nel, will serve as Acting CEO until a replacement is appointed. Nel has worked for the Institute for the past 15 years and is au fait with its inner workings, rules, regulations as well as the legislative framework of running a professional body.

Dr. Von Eck informed the IIA SA board of her decision to leave some time ago but graciously agreed to stay to ensure that the board is well appraised of the strategic direction and day -to -day operations of the institute. For this the board and the IIA SA is grateful.

Dr. Von Eck’s tenure as CEO has taken the Institute to new heights. Under her leadership it has both forged and strengthened relations with key corporates as well as government and non-governmental organisations including the offices such as that of the Auditor- General and bodies such as Corruption Watch.

As South Africa lurched from one crisis to another in recent times over issues of corruption, corporate shenanigans and state capture, she has played a pivotal role in ensuring that the internal audit profession as well as its members firmly held the line against such malfeasance.

Dr. Von Eck was the driving force behind the establishment of the Anti-Intimidation and Ethical Practices Forum (AEPF) formed in 2017, which she chaired. The forum comprises several other professional bodies and organisations with a mandate to expose corruption while protecting whistleblowers.  Under her guidance, the IIA SA’s annual survey on SA organisations’ adherence to governance principles in the public and private sectors, known as the Corporate Governance Index report, has become a vital tool for corporate South Africa and the media.

She also initiated the prestigious Guardian of Governance award which is handed to the recipient at the IIA SA National Conference each year. The inaugural winner in 2016 was the then Public Protector Thuli Madonsela. 

Dr. Von Eck has also become a leading voice and popular media analyst on issues of ethics and corporate governance. All these initiatives and more by Dr. Von Eck has positively and proactively placed the IIA SA as a powerful organisation dedicated to protecting and promoting the interests of the internal audit profession and its members.

It is regrettable that both the board and the IIA SA will be losing someone with the experience and calibre of Dr. Von Eck.  However, we hope to work with her on her future endeavours. We wish her well in the next chapter of her journey. 

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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 dynamically 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.  

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For further information contact:
Moshe Kola: Department Head: Communications and Business Development
(IIA SA)Tel: +27 11 450-1040 (ext. 274)
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For interview requests: Cheryl Naidu
PR Liaison (At Vogue Communications)Tel: +27 73 524 6034
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