NRF Participates in the IIA Conference in Canada

The NRF continues to position itself as a thought leader and a learning organisation through participation in global events and platforms. From 14 to 23 July 2025, the NRF participated in the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) International Conference 2025, held in Toronto, as well as institutional learning visits in Ottawa, Canada.

The IIA Conference brought together more than 2 000 delegates from around the world, including representatives from PwC, Deloitte, and Fortune 500 companies. Among others, the session focused on digital transformation in the audit profession; the evolving role of AI in auditing; ESG integration (environment, social, governance); and organisational risk resilience in the digital age.

*(Left to right) Ben Smit, Senior Auditor; Isabel Aguilera, President of GE, MD of Google Iberia, COO of NH Hotels, CEO of Dell Comp for Spain, Italy, and Portugal; Tshego Sithole, Finance Controller*

The NRF delegation was led by Dr Nokuthula Mchunu, Manager: International Collaborative Research Grants; Benjamin Smit, Senior Auditor; and Tshego Sithole, Finance Controller and engaged in knowledge-sharing, networking, and strategic discussions to strengthen the NRF’s global perspective and operational excellence.

In addition to the conference, the delegation participated in knowledge-sharing visits with partners, designed to enhance the organisation’s strategic networks and operational capacity. The learning visit coordinated by the Canada Research Coordinating Committee (CRCC), included exchanges on fund management, auditing processes, and research partnership structures with Mitacs, and IDRC, among others.

These engagements underscore the NRF’s dedication to continuous learning, staff exposure, global collaboration, and thought leadership in research, innovation, audit, procurement and finance.