SAIPA and ISACA SA Chapter announce signing of memorandum of understanding

On 5 October 2020, the Information Systems Audit and Control Association South Africa Chapter NPC (ISACA SA Chapter) and South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a platform for focused activity that will see both bodies constructively collaborating in the interest of developing professions in the country.

Shahied Daniels, Chief Executive Officer, SAIPA

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Due to the national lockdown, the signing ceremony was performed electronically by Shahied Daniels (Chief Executive Officer, SAIPA) and Arlene-Lynn Volmink, President of the ISACA SA Chapter; witnessed by Dr Gavin Isaacs (Chief Operations Executive, SAIPA), Eugene May (Education Coordinator, ISACA SA Chapter) and Anri Veldman (Marketing and Events Coordinator, ISACA SA Chapter).

SAIPA is a professional accounting organisation committed to serving and protecting the public interest. SAIPA represents qualified Professional Accountants (SA) in practice, commerce and industry, academia and the public sector. SAIPA’s vision is to be the professional accountancy organisation of choice and the mission is to optimise the success of the Professional Accountant (SA) in the public interest.

ISACA advances global business leaders in technology, information and cyber security, governance, risk and innovation. ISACA’s purpose is to help business technology professionals and their enterprises around the world realise the potential of technology and its promise is to inspire confidence that enables innovation through technology. The ISACA South Africa Chapter is affiliated to the international organisation, and strives to be the leading professional organisation in South Africa for business leaders in technology, information and cyber security, governance, risk and innovation.

The MOU agreement sets a foundation for an alliance between the two organisations that enhances the value proposition and benefits the members of both organisations. The MOU is an acknowledgement of the mutual respect that each body has for each other, particularly their roles in advocating and promoting ethical and responsible behaviour within the professions they serve in order to retain public trust and confidence within South Africa. Through the MOU, SAIPA and ISACA SA members have greater opportunity to attain continuing professional development points through the learning and educational activities offered to enhance their knowledge, skills and competencies and maintain their certifications and designations in good standing.

Arlene-Lynn Volmink, President, ISACA SA Chapter

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The two organisations also agreed to develop a Partner Engagement Plan to continually explore and engage in mutually beneficial opportunities and initiatives.

The ISACA SA Chapter also recognises SAIPA’s designation of Professional Accountant (SA); and likewise SAIPA recognises the ISACA SA Chapter’s Information Systems Audit and Information Security Management professional designations.

Volmink commented: “We are delighted to observe this milestone achievement which formalises and solidifies the relationship between two well-respected organisations, the ISACA SA Chapter and SAIPA. This is another step forward in leading the charge to create avenues for professionals to remain relevant and retain skills in South Africa. Through this venture, we are positively contributing to the ethical climate and profile of practising professionals in South Africa. This is a significant moment.”

Commenting on the MOU, Daniels said: “The integrity of accounting data and its analytical utility are inextricably linked to the confidence enterprises place in the systems within which it exists. We at SAIPA therefore believe that this MOU with the ISACA SA Chapter will create much-needed and constructive collaboration between the two bodies, and foster a collective appreciation for our cross-cutting concerns.”