A man of exceptional integrity
- Wits University
The former Auditor-General, Terence Nombembe, appointed as the new Chairperson of the Wits Council.
He will serve for a three year term (which can be renewed) as the Chairperson of Council, Wits University’s highest decision-making body.
Known for his leadership and unwavering commitment to integrity and transparency, Nombembe emphasises that public resources must be managed with the highest levels of accountability. His expertise spans accounting and auditing, corporate governance, risk management, strategic planning, public policy and stakeholder engagement.
“Mr Nombembe is a leader of exceptional integrity and distinction, whose contribution to public accountability in South Africa is both profound and enduring,” says Professor Zeblon Vilakazi, Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal. “We are honoured to welcome him as Chairperson of Council and look forward to working with him in advancing Wits’ mission of academic excellence and societal impact.”
Nombembe brings a depth of experience and a principled approach to governance that aligns strongly with the University’s values. Widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most distinguished leaders in public finance and governance, he is known for his ethical leadership and emphasis on accountability.
“We are pleased to welcome Mr Nombembe to Wits - a wise, accessible, and ethical leader. We look forward to working with him,” says Dr Judy Dlamini, the Chancellor of Wits University.
Best known for his tenure as the Auditor-General of South Africa from 2006 to 2013, Nombembe strengthened the role of the Auditor-General of South Africa, advanced audit processes that assessed financial compliance and interrogated the effectiveness of governance and service delivery.
Following his tenure as Auditor-General, Nombembe continued to shape the accounting profession and governance landscape both locally and internationally. As Chief Executive Officer of the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) from 2014 to 2019, he played a pivotal role in strengthening the pipeline of ethical, globally competitive chartered accountants.
“I am pleased to serve in this role and I look forward to building on the strong governance foundation that Council has established,” says Nombembe.
His extensive public service portfolio includes participation in high-level national initiatives such as the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into State Capture and his role on the Gauteng Ethics and Anti-Corruption Advisory Council, which he chaired. He has also contributed to monetary governance as a board member of the South African Reserve Bank, representing government interests. These roles reflect a career consistently aligned with strengthening democratic institutions and promoting ethical leadership.
“These roles have placed me in good stead to accept this key position in higher education. I believe that universities have a role to play in sustainable nation building and we must safeguard against leadership override of good governance and internal controls,” adds Nombembe.
His influence extends beyond South Africa through his leadership roles in continental and global bodies, including the African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions and the International Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions, where he served as President and Chairperson. He also represented Africa and the Middle East on the board of the International Federation of Accountants, contributing to the advancement of professional standards across jurisdictions.
Nombembe obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Transkei and a BCompt (Honours) from the University of South Africa, before qualifying as a Chartered Accountant in 1990. His early career included roles at KPMG, Unilever South Africa and BP Southern Africa, where he gained experience in external and internal auditing, financial management and corporate governance across multiple sectors.
In addition to his executive roles, he has served on the boards of major organisations, including several listed companies, non-profit organisations and global standard-setting bodies.
Nombembe has received many awards for his achievements. His contributions have been recognised through numerous prestigious honours, including the Jörg Kandutsch Excellence Award from the International Organization of Supreme Audit Institutions, as well as honorary doctorates from Walter Sisulu University and the University of Pretoria. These accolades demonstrate his professional excellence and his enduring commitment to ethical leadership.
Beyond his formal roles, Nombembe has made significant contributions to mentorship and education, supporting the development of future generations of accounting and finance professionals. He has consistently advocated for the importance of integrity, professionalism and public service, encouraging young leaders to uphold the highest standards in their careers.