The University of Pretoria (UP) proudly hosted the inaugural Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) South African Chapter Student Conference, a groundbreaking event focused on emerging technologies in the auditing profession. It was a hybrid event held on 25 April 2025 at the vibrant Tuks Monate venue, sponsored by UP, ISACA and Thabi Consulting. The event attracted undergraduate and postgraduate students from disciplines such as Internal Auditing, Accounting Sciences and Computer Science.

 

Left image (from left): Thakane Rampai (Senior Lecturer UP) and Grace Letseka (ISACA Board Member)

Right image (from left): Thakane Rampai (Senior Lecturer UP), Unathi Sedibe (BCom Honours-Internal Auditing Student), and Eugene May (ISACA Membership & Education Coordinator)

 

A total of 366 students from various academic institutions registered for the conference and some travelled from as far as the University of Venda. A total of 140 attended in person and the rest were online, making it a landmark moment for academic-industry collaboration in South Africa.

 

Front row (from left): Chené Du Plooy, Jessica Willemse, Jade Celliers, Lené Smit, and Gabriella Skinner 

Top row (from left): Janika Francis, Raché Botha, and Anke Erasmus 

 

Organised jointly by the UP’s Department of Auditing and ISACA, the conference was more than just a meeting of minds – it was a movement to prepare a resilient, technology-savvy generation of auditors, fully equipped for the challenges and innovations shaping the future of the profession.

 

Left image: Thakane Rampai (Senior Lecturer UP), and Phebie Gumunyu (BCom Honours -Internal Auditing Student)

Right image: Top row (from left) - Calvin Phalane, Jesutooni Osoare. Front row (from left) - Onewang Lemao, Lesego Boroto, Phebie Gumunyu, Refilwe Phalatse, and Elzandie Van Zyl

 

A vision realised
The conference was the result of a transformative partnership between UP and ISACA that began in 2023, championed by Grace Letseka (Director: Academic Relations, ISACA SA Chapter) and Thakane Rampai (Senior Lecturer, UP Department of Auditing). Their shared mission was clear: to bridge the gap between theoretical education and the rapidly evolving technological landscape that is reshaping the auditing profession.

Top row (from left) - Mxolisi Cebekhulu, Lesedi Mosiea, Sibusiso Mnyakeni, Kopano Mohomele, and Unathi Sedibe. Front row (from left) - Tarafanashe Mugova

 

What started with free ISACA Global memberships and student workshops evolved into a flagship event aimed at equipping students with practical skills, global insights and professional networks.

A day of insight, innovation and impact
The full-day programme delivered invaluable learning and networking opportunities. The conference featured industry leaders and academic experts covering a diverse range of topics, including:

• cybersecurity
• auditing and technologies
• panel discussions by academics on the impact of emerging technologies and digital
• transformation on auditors
• from campus to corporate
• student mental health
• curriculum vitae drafting and interview mastery

The event kicked off with a warm welcome from Prof Karin Barac, Deputy Dean of UP’s Faculty of Economic Management Sciences (EMS), followed by an opening address from Muvhango Livhusha, Vice President of ISACA. The day closed with words of encouragement from Kenneth Palliam, President of ISACA, leaving students inspired and motivated to lead the charge into the future.

From left: Chene Du Plooy, Raché Botha, Janika Francis, Jessica Willemse, Lené Smit, and Zanri Hanekom

Collaboration across sectors and a fun-filled day
The conference enjoyed strong support from both academic and professional communities with the following key exhibitors:

• Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA)
• Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
• South African Institute of Government Auditors (SAIGA)
• Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIASA)
• Thabi Consulting

The sponsors, such as KPMG, ICFP, AGSA, IIA, Orion Cyber, ABSA, and ACFE, contributed promotional items, demonstrating their commitment to enriching the student experience.

Left image (from left): Sharon Mahlangu, Nontobeko Skosana, Gugulethu Matsimela, and Elaine Mahlangu

Adding a creative and fun twist to the day, a rotating 360-degree camera gave the students a chance to create memorable content while engaging in meaningful conversations with industry professionals, lecturers and peers from across the country.

Empowering future-ready auditors
This initiative complements the annual IT Auditing Workshops, introduced in 2023 for BCom third-year and honours students specialising in Internal Auditing at UP. These workshops are tailored for non-IT auditors and continue to bridge the crucial skills gap between traditional accounting and auditing education, and technology-driven realities.

 

Internal Auditing, Accounting Sciences, and Computer Science Students 

 

In a world where digital transformation defines every profession, UP, through the Faculty of EMS and its forward-thinking Internal Auditing lecturers, is boldly ensuring its students don’t just adapt to the future, but help shape it.

The event showcased how academia and industry can collaborate to equip students with real-world skills in an evolving profession. As Ms Rampai observed and remarked, “This is more than a conference, it’s a blueprint for what is possible when academia and industry work together with purpose”.

 

Internal Auditing, Accounting Sciences, and Computer Science Students 

 

The University celebrates this milestone and looks forward to even more students, partners, and innovators at future conferences.