Mrs Refiloe Rose Rampai, Chief Risk Officer at Matjhabeng Local Municipality and Acting Chief Audit Executive, delivers the keynote address during the Audit with Attitude Competition and Career Expo at Welkom Campus.

The Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT) Welkom Campus hosted its annual Audit with Attitude Competition and Career Expo on 3 August 2026, reaffirming its commitment to preparing students for the realities of the accounting and auditing profession. The flagship initiative of the Department of Auditing and Accounting bridges the gap between academic learning and professional practice by providing students with an opportunity to apply their knowledge in a practical environment while engaging directly with industry leaders.

The event brought together students, academics and representatives from leading organisations, including the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), the South African Revenue Service (SARS), MGI RAS, Maine Incorporated Accountants, Matjhabeng Local Municipality and the Association for the Advancement of Black Accountants of Southern Africa (ABASA). Through presentations focused on auditing, students demonstrated their technical competence, critical thinking, ethical judgement and communication skills, reflecting the calibre of professionals CUT continues to develop.

Addressing participants, CUT Deputy Director of Finance and Procurement, Mr Ben-Mazwi Xhanti, highlighted the significance of the initiative in shaping future professionals. "Today's event is not just a competition but a celebration of academic excellence." His remarks highlighted the university's commitment to developing graduates who possess not only technical expertise but also the professionalism, integrity and ethical values required to thrive in the accounting and auditing profession.

Delivering the keynote address, Mrs Refiloe Rose Rampai, Chief Risk Officer at Matjhabeng Local Municipality and Acting Chief Audit Executive, challenged students to recognise the wider impact of their future profession. She emphasised that auditors play a critical role in promoting accountability, transparency and good governance, with their work directly influencing the quality of public service delivery.

"Every audit report has consequences which determine whether communities receive water, electricity and sanitation, whether roads are repaired, and whether staff receive salaries. Your audit report is your signature."

The Career Expo further strengthened the connection between academia and industry by providing students with an opportunity to engage directly with employers, explore graduate opportunities and gain valuable insight into the expectations of the profession. These interactions reinforced the importance of combining academic excellence with practical experience and professional ethics.

Through initiatives such as Audit with Attitude, CUT continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to develop industry-relevant skills, build professional networks and gain confidence before entering the workplace. The initiative reflects the university's commitment to producing graduates who are work-ready, ethically grounded and equipped to make a positive contribution to the accounting and auditing profession.

CUT students delivered a presentation on cybersecurity, showcasing their technical knowledge and professional communication skills.