Lahja Nashuuta

Dorris Kazondunge-Tjirongo is an audit, risk and accounting professional at the Office of the Auditor General.

She specialised in accounting and finance and currently holds a Bachelor of Technology in Accounting and Finance, as well as a Postgraduate Certificate in Informatics (Information Systems Audit) from the Namibia University of Science and Technology.

Currently, Kazondunge-Tjirongo is a senior internal auditor in the Internal Audit and Risk Management division.

She is responsible for evaluating and improving the effectiveness of risk management, control processes, and governance within the office.

“My role is to conduct an independent risk-based assessment to ensure that the Office of the Auditor General is adhering to policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements as well as identifying areas where improvement can be made and then recommending improvement and risk-mitigating measures to management,” she said.

Humble beginning

The auditor joined the public service in September 2017. Before joining the public service, she worked as a tax, audit, and accounting consultant at a private firm and later as an assistant accountant at the National Art Gallery of Namibia.

Queried as to why she opted to join the public service, Kazondunge-Tjirongo replied: “Working for the government wasn’t initially my career goal, but an opportunity to work in the government came my way, and I decided to seize it. I saw it as a chance to explore my profession in a new context and contribute to serving my fellow Namibian citizens.”

The most challenging responsibility about her work is the fact that she often works closely with various departments within the office. 

Maintaining independence and objectivity while fostering good relationships with management and staff can be difficult, especially when audits uncover issues that may not be well received.

However, according to her, what is rewarding about her work is that the internal audit profession centres on providing advice and recommendations for improvement. 

“What makes it even more rewarding is that its purpose aligns seamlessly with my values, as I take great pleasure in helping others, offering support, and contributing to their growth,” she reveals.

Expertise 

As an internal auditor, Kazondunge-Tjirongo believes her expertise is highly beneficial to the public service and, more specifically, to the Office of the Auditor General.

“My role helps strengthen the internal control systems within government departments and agencies, ensuring that public resources are used efficiently and effectively. By identifying weaknesses or inefficiencies in processes, I assist in improving financial accountability and operational performance, which is crucial for the Office of the Auditor General’s mandate,” she maintains.

She further said, “The insights and recommendations I provide help ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and policies, supporting the office in its audits and investigations. By maintaining high standards of transparency and integrity, I contribute to enhancing the credibility and reliability of the public sector’s financial reporting, thereby reinforcing the work of the auditor general in promoting good governance and accountability within the public service.”

As part of her work-related accomplishments or memorable moments as a public servant, the auditor pointed out a time when she was entrusted to mentor junior auditors and share her knowledge on best practices in internal auditing. “Seeing them grow and develop in their roles has been incredibly fulfilling and reinforces the importance of fostering a strong, knowledgeable team in the public service,” she said.

Misconception

“I don’t agree with this sentiment, and I prefer not to speak on behalf of other public institutions. The Office of the Auditor General specifically is a unique and distinguished public institution. Our office prioritises hiring qualified individuals, and those hired with only a Grade 12 qualification are few and far between,” she said.

Kazondunge-Tjirongo further argued that about 80% of the workforce is under 45 years of age, which means there is a young and highly energetic team. As a result, the Office of the Auditor General is not only dynamic but also focused on productivity and efficiency, ensuring that the work is both effective and impactful.

Parting shots 

Asked how long she is planning to lend her service to the public sector, she had this to say: “As long as I can continue to have a significant influence, I intend to remain in public service. I’m dedicated to advancing accountability, serving the public interest, and assisting in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of governmental operations. 

My commitment to helping the community and the public sector’s goal motivates me to remain in public service, advance my career, and take on new tasks as long as I can contribute positively.”

On her wishlist, she plans to continue growing in her career, expanding skills, and taking on more leadership responsibilities. “I wish to expand my knowledge of internal auditing and contribute to developing stronger governance procedures. 

My objective is to ensure efficiency, accountability, and transparency at all levels of the public sector by playing a significant part in the implementation of strategic initiatives,” she concludes.

-lnashuuta@gmail.com