Mabatho Sedikela, head of audit at the Auditor-General South Africa. As head of audit at provincial Auditor-General South Africa (AGSA), Mabatho Sedikela CA(SA) is a prime example of a passionate difference maker in the public sector. She is a transformational leader who leaves a mark of positive change wherever she goes.
Leading by example to create change
Having spent some years of her youth in a in deep rural village in Limpopo where her father was from, Mabatho was one of first black female CAs from his village. ‘It was a source of great pride for my parents when I qualified,’ remembers Mabatho. ‘They were intent on me setting an example for my four younger siblings.’
At the time Mabatho qualified there were fewer than 100 black female CAs(SA). ‘Being part of the “firsts” club has never had a charm for me. I wanted to see others who look like me, join the CA ranks. That is what drove my involvement with Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA) – more women, more African blacks around the boardroom table was what I yearned for, so I set about to make the change.’
After years in the private sector, Mabatho decided to pursue a career in the public sector in 2010 and joined AGSA as a deputy business executive. She has steadily climbed the corporate ladder within AGSA and has a successful track record in the organisation and extensive knowledge of the auditing profession.
She quickly realised transformation in the profession was an issue. ‘I often find myself driving some form of transformation agenda, so I consider myself to have become a transformational leader.’
A stark example of this was when Mabatho represented AGSA on the board of external auditors for the African Union Commission. ‘I was the only female representative in a board of 11 – an indication of strides to be made in the continent.
‘I never want to leave things as I found them. I’ve always been keen to make a mark or contribution, one way or another. I suppose the small contributions done consistently and diligently over time will have a ripple effect of making some impact.’
Mabatho believes one way she can achieve this is by mentoring and coaching other women. ‘Lift as we climb, bring other women along. I’ve been privileged to be able to mentor many people who’ve gone on to succeed in their own right within the organisation at various leadership positions and outside the public and private sectors.’
Mabatho measures her success by the impact she can make. ‘Self-awareness, self-regulation, and servant leadership are what keeps me accountable.’
‘My role entails providing strategic leadership of the audit portfolio in the provincial spheres of government. I am responsible for the leadership of the audit executive team and collectively ensuring integration and coordination of all audits activities across the AGSA as well as ensuring agreed objectives of the strategic plan are implemented across the audit portfolio,’ she explains.
The audit portfolio for the nine provinces has a staff complement of 1 807, and the units generated audit revenue of approximately R2 601 564 466 per annum with a range of 332 municipal finance management act audits.
Mabatho leads by being a motivated, resilient, inspirational, and result-oriented executive who believes in leading by example. ‘I subscribe to performance excellence by offering a leadership style which is one of coaching, support, and guidance.’
For Mabatho, her biggest success thus far, was receiving the Difference Makers award. ‘I am passionate about making a difference and this is a recognition of what my team and I are trying to do – make a meaningful contribution in the public sector.
‘This award will also help put the public sector on the map. It is an important opportunity to promote the public sector as a career of choice – people can see that successful, professionals and competent leaders work on this space too.’
