Bagaka Group in Partnership with NRF Host Chief Audit Executive (CAE) Engagement Workshop

The National Research Foundation (NRF) in collaboration with black-owned auditing firm Bagaka Group hosted the Chief Audit Executive Engagement Workshop on 11 June 2026. The engagement was held at the NRF Tiyo Soga Auditorium as well as some attendees joining virtually. The workshop formed part of the NRF’s broader commitment to supporting Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) and advancing its transformation agenda through supplier development and enterprise growth. The initiative also formed part of a three-year Enterprise Development Agreement between the Bagaka Group and NRF.

Delegates from the auditing sector joined the Chief Audit Executive Engagement Workshop in numbers to engage and collaborate with different stakeholders, including the NRF Internal Audit team. This workshop sought to strengthen governance structures and provide objective evaluations of risk management frameworks, while elevating internal audit from a compliance function to a strategic partner in governance. It further sought to enhance support for ethical leadership, sustainable value creation, and alignment with regulatory frameworks thereby positioning internal audit as a driver of accountability, resilience and transformation within organisations. By convening senior audit executives, the workshop created a platform for knowledge exchange, best practice sharing and collaborative problem-solving.

The topics covered for the event:

• Audit & Risk Committees & Boards: Delivering Strategic Value;
• Technology Session: AI in Audit Efficiency & Effectiveness;
• Adoption of Standards (sharing real-world adoption stories and practical insights); and
• Technology Talk: Open Discussion on Technology.

Mr Bishen Singh, NRF Chief Financial Officer, welcomed the delegates. In his address, he emphasised the importance of continuous collaboration between the NRF and Bagaka Group as part of the broader NRF SCM Transformation agenda. Mr Singh highlighted the NRF’s commitment to Enterprise and Supplier Development as a key initiative aimed at supporting the growth of SMMEs while promoting their long-term sustainability. These efforts entail continuous development of suppliers. Furthermore, Mr Singh highlighted the critical role of leadership in the internal audit space and its independence as it strengthens consistency, integrity and credibility. “Internal audit is not only about assurance, but it also shapes the future of governance and organisational resilience amidst the continuous changing world within which this discipline must live and adapt with agility,” he remarked.

Ms Nolo Mogapi, Bagaka Group Managing Director, expressed her appreciation to all stakeholders and workshop speakers for their valuable contributions. She emphasised the importance of sustaining meaningful engagement within the internal audit sector to foster continuous development, collaboration and knowledge sharing.

In her closing remarks, Ms Tumelo Mahusi, Head of Risk and Internal Audit at Bagaka, expressed her sincere appreciation to the NRF team for its continued support and for the opportunity to participate in the NRF Enterprise Development beneficiary programme. She also thanked the Internal Audit speakers, panellists and all stakeholders whose valuable contributions ensured the success of the workshop.