Bridging the gap between academic theory and real-world experience, the North-West University (NWU) recently hosted Mr Solly Segooa, chief risk officer at the Auditor-General of South Africa (AGSA), for a thought-provoking guest lecture titled “Understanding and managing risk in entrepreneurship”.
The session offered students a unique opportunity to gain practical insight into the complexities of financial oversight, governance, and risk management in both public and private sectors.
As the institution responsible for auditing government expenditure and promoting financial accountability across South Africa, the AGSA plays a vital role in ensuring the responsible use of public funds. Welcoming an expert from this esteemed office brought the realities of governance and risk into sharp focus for students of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences.
Mr Segooa, who brings decades of experience in finance, governance, and corporate risk, delivered a dynamic and engaging lecture far beyond textbook theory.
“Risk isn’t something to avoid,” he told students. “It’s something to understand, engage with, and, when possible, turn into an opportunity.” He illustrated his points with real-life stories from his career, highlighting the tough decisions and valuable lessons that come with managing risk in complex environments.
Dr Lerato E. Mdaka, a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, reflected on the significance of Mr Segooa’s visit. “At the NWU, we’re always looking for ways to bridge theory with practice, and inviting industry leaders is one of the best ways. Mr Segooa’s insights helped students understand the practical implications of risk and entrepreneurship in a way that is both accessible and globally relevant.”
The lecture also carried international importance, as the University of Kigali, Rwanda joined the lecture as part of an ongoing partnership with the NWU.
“Having the University of Kigali participate was particularly meaningful,” Dr Mdaka added. “When we talk about entrepreneurship, we’re discussing something that transcends borders. The risks an entrepreneur faces in Kigali might look different from those in Johannesburg, but the principles of risk management—facing uncertainty and threat head-on, minimizing it’s impact and unlocking its hidden opportunities—are universal.”
