Jasmina Patel wins leadership in audit award

Jasmina Patel, currently serving as Director of Internal Audit at the University of Limpopo (UL) was declared the winner in the category “Excellence in Internal Audit Leadership” during the annual conference of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) hosted at Sandton Convention Centre during August.
Sylvia Rangongo, IIA SA Regional Convenor said in a media release that in presenting the award, Claudelle von Eck, the Chief Executive Officer of the IIA SA described the award winner as someone who has senior management responsibility in Internal Audit, demonstrates commitment to the IIA Standards, takes responsibility for leading the internal audit to continual evolution and through complex change, displays high levels of integrity and promotes an ethical culture as well as inspires and encourages personal and professional development in others.
Patel expressed her absolute gratefulness to those who nominated her for the award. She started her auditing career at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and thanked Pwc and UL for the foundation they provided in moulding her to be a leader. “UL provided me with a platform without restriction and entrusted me with a huge responsibility. Thank you are two tiny words for the invisible hands of my family and friends who silently support and encourage me,” Patel said.
According to Patel, she uses the words Internal Audit to develop as an individual. “Internal” for constantly working on herself to improve. The A in “Audit” prompts her to always adapt, adjust and accommodate as these are the traits that one needs to adopt to effectively serve the institutions they represent.
“Receiving this award during a month dedicated to women makes it even more special and I appeal to women out there to support each other. Each of us plays a huge role in moulding and guiding the new generation of internal auditors and I urge you to dedicate time for doing so,” Patel said.
The IIA SA was founded 52 years ago and it is affiliated to a global body. It is the local custodian of the International Standards and sets career path standards for internal auditors in South Africa. The IIA SA recognised and rewards excellence and professionalism in internal audit. The purpose of the awards is to attract and retain high calibre members to the profession and motivate members towards continual improvement.

Story: BARRY VILJOEN
>>barryv.observer@gmail.com

Featured photo: Chairman of the Institute of Internal Auditors South Africa (IIA SA) Board Vonani Chauke, Director Internal Audit of the University of Limpopo Jasmina Patel, Former Chairman of IIA SA Shirley Machaba and Chief Executive Officer of IIA SA Claudelle von Eck at the awards ceremony of the IIA SA (photo supplied).