Sibongiseni Ngoma Appointed Deputy Auditor-General of AGSA

The appointment took effect on 1 June 2026 after what AGSA described as a rigorous recruitment process that received the endorsement of the parliamentary committee.

Sibongiseni Ngoma has officially been appointed Deputy Auditor-General of the Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), becoming only the second woman in the institution's 115-year history to hold the prestigious position.

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke announced the appointment this week following consultation with Parliament's Standing Committee on the Auditor-General (Scoag), marking a significant milestone for both the institution and women's leadership in South Africa's public accountability sector.

The appointment took effect on 1 June 2026 after what AGSA described as a rigorous recruitment process that received the endorsement of the parliamentary committee.

Ngoma had been serving in the role in an acting capacity since February 2026 and will now permanently assume the responsibilities associated with one of the most senior positions within South Africa's national audit office.

Historic Appointment for Public Sector Accountability

Ngoma's appointment represents an important moment in the history of the Auditor-General South Africa, which is celebrating 115 years of public auditing and oversight in the country.

As Deputy Auditor-General, she becomes only the second woman to hold the position since the institution was established more than a century ago.

The appointment reflects the continued progress being made in advancing gender representation within leadership positions across South Africa's public sector institutions.

It also highlights AGSA's commitment to transformation and succession planning, with Ngoma rising through the ranks after more than a decade of service within the organisation.

Her appointment comes at a time when public institutions are increasingly focusing on building inclusive leadership structures while strengthening governance and accountability.

Extensive Responsibilities in New Role

As Deputy Auditor-General, Ngoma will serve as the accounting officer of AGSA and oversee the institution's operational functions in support of the auditor-general's strategic vision.

The position carries significant responsibility within South Africa's constitutional framework, as AGSA plays a critical role in auditing government departments, municipalities, public entities and state-owned institutions.

The office provides independent oversight of public finances and helps ensure accountability for the use of public resources.

Ngoma will work closely with Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke to advance the institution's constitutional mandate and support its ongoing efforts to promote transparency, accountability and good governance throughout the public sector.

More Than Two Decades of Professional Experience

Ngoma brings more than 20 years of professional experience to the role, having built an accomplished career across both the public and private sectors.

A qualified chartered accountant, she began her professional journey at global auditing and advisory firm Ernst & Young, where she completed her training and developed a strong foundation in auditing, finance and governance.

Following her time in the private sector, she joined the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), one of South Africa's key development finance institutions.

During her tenure at the IDC, she held several senior positions and gained extensive experience in financial management, governance and risk oversight.

Among her leadership roles at the corporation was serving as Head of Internal Audit, where she was responsible for strengthening internal controls and supporting organisational accountability.

These experiences helped shape her reputation as a highly skilled finance and governance professional.

Longstanding Career at Auditor-General South Africa

Ngoma joined the Auditor-General South Africa in 2012 as a corporate executive.

In this role, she was responsible for several strategic support units that are critical to the effective functioning of the institution.

Her portfolio included oversight of finance, human capital management and legal services, among other operational areas.

Her leadership capabilities and strong track record quickly earned recognition within the organisation.

In 2015, she was appointed Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of AGSA, a position in which she played a pivotal role in strengthening the institution's financial management systems and supporting its long-term strategic objectives.

Over the years, she became widely recognised for her contribution to sound financial governance and organisational excellence.

Her extensive institutional knowledge and experience within AGSA are expected to be major assets in her new position as Deputy Auditor-General.

Award-Winning Financial Leader

Ngoma's achievements have earned her recognition both within the auditing profession and across South Africa's broader financial management community.

In 2021, she received two of the country's most prestigious finance leadership awards.

She was named CFO of the Year as well as Public Sector CFO of the Year at the annual CFO Awards, recognising her outstanding leadership and contribution to public sector financial management.

These awards acknowledged her role in promoting financial excellence, accountability and effective governance within AGSA.

In addition to these accolades, she has also been recognised by professional organisations dedicated to advancing transformation and excellence within the accounting profession.

The African Women Chartered Accountants organisation honoured her achievements, while the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) named her Executive of the Year.

These awards underscore her influence as a leader and role model within South Africa's accounting and finance sectors.

Maluleke Welcomes Appointment

Auditor-General Tsakani Maluleke welcomed Ngoma's appointment, describing it as a reflection of both her capabilities and AGSA's commitment to developing leadership talent from within the organisation.

Maluleke said the promotion demonstrates the strength of AGSA's internal talent pipeline and highlights the success of the institution's long-term transformation strategy.

"We are very pleased to have a leader of Ms Ngoma's calibre take this critical role in the year that we celebrate 115 years of public auditing and providing illuminating insights for a better South Africa," Maluleke said.

She noted that Ngoma's deep understanding of the institution and extensive leadership experience would help ensure continuity and stability within the organisation.

Supporting AGSA's Constitutional Mandate

Maluleke emphasised that Ngoma's appointment comes at a critical time for the institution as it continues its work to strengthen accountability and governance throughout the public sector.

She said Ngoma's expertise and institutional knowledge would help AGSA continue fulfilling its constitutional mandate while advancing a culture of transparency, integrity and accountability.

The Auditor-General's office plays a central role in safeguarding public resources and promoting effective governance through independent audits and oversight.

As Deputy Auditor-General, Ngoma will be instrumental in supporting these efforts and ensuring that AGSA remains a trusted and effective institution.

Confidence in the Future

Maluleke also expressed confidence in Ngoma's ability to help lead AGSA through its next phase of growth and development.

She highlighted the benefits of cultivating leadership from within the organisation and noted that AGSA has consistently benefited from investing in employee development and succession planning.

Ngoma's progression from corporate executive to chief financial officer and now Deputy Auditor-General serves as a testament to that approach.

Her appointment not only strengthens AGSA's leadership team but also sends a powerful message about the value of experience, professional excellence and transformation within South Africa's public institutions.

As she formally assumes her new responsibilities, Ngoma is expected to play a key role in shaping the future direction of the national audit office while helping to uphold the principles of accountability, transparency and good governance that underpin South Africa's constitutional democracy.