The National Education, Health and Allied Workers’ Union (NEHAWU) mourns the passing of the outgoing Auditor-General, Thembekile Kimi Makwetu.

Mr Makwetu served the people of South Africa with dedication, commitment and integrity in his tenure as the Auditor-General from the 1st December 2013 until the end of his seven year term. The fact that he continued to work while diagnosed with stage four lung cancer proves beyond reasonable doubt his commitment to hold accountable those entrusted with power and the public purse. Just recently he was deployed to the United Nations Independent Advisory Committee.

NEHAWU worked with his office while we were dealing with the corruption and fraud that had engulfed the Northern Cape Legislature. His work in exposing the rot that exists in State Owned Enterprises, Municipalities and other state entities was phenomenal, however, was let down by our government which lacks teeth in dealing with those responsible for plundering state resources.

In his honour, we will redouble our efforts in exposing the scourge of corruption wherever it raises its ugly head. We should strive at all material times to promote accountability and transparency on how public resources are utilised. Over the years, corruption has robbed many poor and rural communities of much needed service delivery and has subjected our people to a live of abject poverty while looters live lavishly from proceeds of crime.

The national union send its deepest condolences to his family, friends and the entire auditing profession for this sad loss. We wish his family strength while dealing with this dark hour.

Issued by NEHAWU Secretariat Zola Saphetha (General Secretary) at 082 558 5968; December Mavuso (Deputy General Secretary) at 082 558 5969; Khaya Xaba (NEHAWU National Spokesperson) at 082 455 2500 or email: khaya@nehawu.org.za