Chapter 9 of the National Development Plan 2030 (NDP) for South Africa highlights that “the number of institutions that have recently been placed under administration is an indication of the leadership and governance challenges”, we face as a country. “If we do not heed the lessons from the past, that education is a fundamental and critical aspect of our daily lives that we must get right, we will fail current and future generations of South Africans, said Granville Smith KPMG South Africa’s Higher Education Sector Lead. “South Africa has set aside R26.2 billion for transfers to Universities in the 2015/2016 year. The importance of safeguarding and protecting the assets of Universities is critical to ensure Universities achieve their mandates”, said KPMG Director and conference organizer, Farzanah Mall.

Global audit firm KPMG joined forces with the Higher Education Internal Audit and Forensic Audit forum (HEIAFA), a sub-committee of the Finance Executives Forum of HESA to host an interactive Higher Education Conference on 16 March 2015, attended by industry leaders and experts in governance and finance from over 23 public higher education institutions across South Africa. The purpose of the conference was to specifically address how institutions can optimize their governance mechanisms and safeguard the assets of Universities to ensure that Universities can deliver on their mandates of providing good quality education and research.

Amid globally challenging business and university environments and with increased competition, the conference focused on key risks faced by Universities, how to enhance the control environments and prevent and detect fraud at universities, as well as the impact of technology on the administration of universities. The conference also covered how South African Universities can leverage technology for the betterment of teaching and learning.  The esteemed presenters included, Granville Smith (KPMG Director and KPMG National Sector Lead for Higher Education), Olga Granova-Mooi (Head of Internal Audit: University of Pretoria), Shamit Govind (KPMG Director), Raniel Misra (Auditor General), Dr Steven Briers (KPMG Director), Ranesh Sivnarain (UKZN Head of Forensics) and Candice Padayachee (KPMG Associate Director). Experts further provided insightful discussions related to the impact of the education system on society. In addition, the conference showcased innovation, generated debate, and provided a platform for support of good governance.

“Ranesh Sivnarain, Chairperson of HEIAFA Forum said, “The importance of higher education as well as its need will never fade. This is why it is necessary to engage and provide a platform for dialogue which not only informs but also addresses the challenges faced in the higher education sector. We as a Forum are excited to have partnered with KPMG and are pleased with the successful outcome of this conference and the value that our universities have derived from it. We strive to continue this partnership with KPMG and make this annual conference even more informative and successful in the future.”
Serving more than 70% of South African universities, KPMG is committed to education in South Africa and is passionate in terms of driving programs and events that promote economic and social upliftment. The aim of the gathering was undoubtedly the sharing of knowledge between universities, key experts, and regulatory bodies.

The conference concluded with a powerful panel discussion on challenges and solutions in the Higher Education sector facilitated by KPMG Director, Farzanah Mall who tackled various current and important matters in Education. The influential, experienced panelists included Prof Enrico Uliana (CFO of UCT), Nomboniso Maqubela (Audit Committee Chairman, University of Fort Hare), Prof Brian O’Connell (Former Rector, University of Western Cape) and Prof Ahmed Bawa (Vice Chancellor Durban University of Technology).

Prof Enrico Uliana highlighted the importance of having clear University policies, with no ambiguity and that universities must take action on all fraud related matters to ensure that potential perpetrators know there is repercussion for fraud.

Ms Maqubela, focused on the increasing reporting regulations in higher education, that there needed to be clear accountability between Council, Senate and other key oversight committees, and that internal audit functions at Universities should be elevated to be strategic partners to support executive management.

Prof Bawa, highlighted, “the importance of South Africa to create their “own” knowledge and innovation. To be leaders in the Research space is critical for the future of our society. Universities exist to produce high quality human resources and to take our rich indigenous knowledge into the world”
Prof O’Connell said “ You would expect the passion for education to be everywhere. South Africa should take full ownership of our future, we should commit to change quickly and we need a National discourse on why education matters. Despite the fact that you are not wealthy, you must believe you can do great things”.

All the panelists and speakers were in agreement regarding the importance of Mathematics and Science to the future of South Africa.

ENDS

About KPMG
KPMG - Globally connected, locally relevant.

KPMG is a global network of professional services firms whose aim is to turn understanding of information, industries, and business trends into value. Constantly striving to be better lies at the heart of what makes us different.

For over 100 years, KPMG has provided very high calibre professional services to its clients.  Today, having successfully grown to be one of the largest professional services organisations in the world, KPMG is acknowledged as a leader in all forms of audit, tax, and advisory services with a global approach to services that spans industry sectors and national boundaries. Global capability and consistency are central to the way we work. By providing global organizations with the same quality of service and behaviour around the world, we can work with them wherever they choose to operate. Our industry focus helps KPMG people to develop a rich understanding of clients’ businesses and the insight, skills, and resources required to address industry-specific issues and opportunities.

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