Who is Tsakani Maluleke, and how did she rise to Auditor-General?
Tsakani Maluleke is the first female Auditor-General of South Africa. She has over 20 years of experience in auditing and finance. Maluleke worked at PwC and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation. She has led major accounting boards and regulatory committees. Here is a look at her career, achievements, and contributions.
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Key takeaways
- Tsakani Maluleke is the first female Auditor-General of South Africa, appointed in 2020.
- She has over 20 years of experience in auditing, finance, and leadership roles.
- Her tenure has strengthened transparency, accountability, and governance in public finances.
- Maluleke continues to inspire women in leadership and serve in global auditing roles like UNESCO External Auditor.
Tsakani Maluleke's profile summary
Full name | Tsakani Maluleke |
Age | Late 40s to early 50s |
Gender | Female |
Place of birth | Soshanguve, Pretoria |
Current residence | Pretoria |
Nationality | South African |
Occupation | Chartered accountant |
Famous as | Auditor-General of South Africa |
Tsakani Maluleke | |
Social media |
Who is Tsakani Maluleke?
Tsakani Maluleke is a South African chartered accountant and Auditor-General of South Africa. She became the first woman to hold the position in 2020. She has extensive experience in auditing and finance. She has worked at PwC and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation. She has also served on several accounting boards and regulatory bodies.
Family background
Ms Maluleke grew up in Soshanguve, Pretoria, before moving with her parents to Johannesburg as a teenager. Her parents were retailers, and she often worked in their shop. She has three younger siblings, including her sister, Basani Maluleke, who became the first black CEO of African Bank in South Africa. Excellence runs in the family.
Where did Tsakani Maluleke go to school?
She attended St Andrew’s School for Girls in Senderwood, Johannesburg. Maluleke then earned a BCom in Accounting from the University of Cape Town in 1996. In 1997, she completed a post-graduate diploma in accountancy. The government official also holds a diploma in development and public management.
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She is a chartered accountant and a registered auditor. She served as non-executive chairperson of SAICA. Her qualifications and experience set her apart in South Africa’s accounting sector.
Early career
Ms Maluleke worked at PwC, Eastern Cape Development Corporation, Energy and Water SETA, and Izingwe Holdings. She held leadership roles on multiple boards and committees. Her work focused on consulting, auditing, skills development, investment management, and corporate advisory. She received the BMF Black Excellence Leadership Award in 2018.
Career progression leading to the Auditor-General
Ms Maluleke joined the Office of the Auditor-General in 2012 as National Leader of Audit Services. She became Deputy Auditor-General in 2014. She was the first woman to hold both positions since AGSA’s formation in 1911.
The Deputy Auditor-General's salary ranges from about R4 million to around R5 million per year. According to IOL, Maluleke earned between R4.26 million and R5.28 million in 2019 and 2020 as a Deputy Auditor-General. Her leadership extended to various professional boards and strategic committees.
Appointment as Auditor-General
On 1 December 2020, Ms Maluleke officially became Auditor-General of South Africa. She succeeded Kimi Makwetu, the previous Auditor-General, who passed away shortly before the end of his term. Her appointment followed unanimous parliamentary approval.
The functions of the Auditor-General include auditing public accounts, reporting on government finances, and improving accountability.
What is the Auditor-General's salary?
The role of Auditor-General comes with significant responsibility. Between 2023 and 2024, Maluleke earned R7 061 000 as the auditor general. In January 2026, the president increased the salaries of public office bearers by 4.1% and 3.8%, which will be effective in April. This will increase the auditor general’s salary to about R7,350,501 per annum. The position requires oversight of public funds and accountability across all levels of government.
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Tsakani Maluleke's contributions
Since taking office, Ms Maluleke has led initiatives that strengthened transparency and accountability in government. She oversaw audits that improved performance in provincial and municipal finances. The Eastern Cape, for example, achieved its highest number of clean audits under her leadership.
The senior public official has earned recognition for her work and continues to serve as a role model for women in finance and public service. Her contributions have enhanced trust in public sector auditing.
Tsakani Maluleke's news
Ms Maluleke’s future prospects remain strong. In 2024, she was elected as UNESCO External Auditor for 2024–2029. She continues to advocate for accountability in local government. In January 2026, she publicly rebutted allegations of audit manipulation, reaffirming the integrity of AGSA audits.
Her ongoing work is expected to further strengthen auditing standards and governance in South Africa.
Ms Tsakani Maluleke has risen through the ranks to become the first female Auditor-General of South Africa. Her career reflects expertise, dedication, and leadership. She continues to influence governance, transparency, and the accounting profession, inspiring future generations of leaders.
Who is the Deputy Auditor-General of South Africa?
The current Deputy Auditor-General of South Africa is Vonani Chauke. He serves as a senior executive in the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA). He supports the Auditor-General in overseeing audits and ensuring accountability in public finances.
Fast facts about Tsakani Maluleke
- Tsakani Maluleke grew up in Soshanguve and later moved to Johannesburg.
- Her parents were retailers, and she worked in their shop as a child.
- She has three younger siblings, including Basani Maluleke, CEO of African Bank.
- Tsakani Maluleke studied BCom Accounting at the University of Cape Town.
- She earned a postgraduate diploma in accountancy in 1997.
- She worked at PwC and the Eastern Cape Development Corporation.
- Tsakani Maluleke has over 20 years of experience in auditing and finance.
- She won the BMF Black Excellence Leadership Award in 2018.
- She was the first woman to serve as Deputy Auditor-General in AGSA history.
- Tsakani Maluleke has been elected UNESCO External Auditor for 2024–2029.
- She is based in Pretoria, where the Auditor-General’s office is headquartered.
- Tsakani Maluleke advocates for transparency and accountability in public finances.
Tsakani Maluleke has risen to become a trailblazer in South African auditing. Her leadership strengthened transparency and accountability. She continues to influence public finance and inspire women in the profession. With a career spanning public and private sectors, she remains a role model for excellence.
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