Deputy Principal Secretary Lineo Ramabele Smith Opens 3-Day Enterprise Risk Management Workshop
On Monday, Mrs. Lineo Ramabele Smith, the Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) in the Ministry of Information, Communications, Science Technology, and Innovation, officially launched a three-day Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) workshop. The event, aimed at equipping the Ministry’s management with vital ERM strategies, was facilitated by the Internal Audit unit.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Ramabele Smith highlighted the crucial role of risk management in guiding an organization toward its objectives. “Risk Management increases the likelihood of success, reduces the likelihood of failure, and addresses uncertainty in achieving the overarching goals of an organization,” she stated. She emphasized that ERM is not only about preventing potential issues but also about positioning an organization to anticipate changes within its operational environment, strengthen corporate governance, and optimize strategic management.
The DPS outlined the importance of ERM in securing an organization’s resources and assets, fostering a proactive rather than reactive approach to decision-making, and ensuring the sustainability of workflow processes. Mrs. Ramabele Smith noted that the Ministry, like other government entities, has faced numerous internal and external risks over the years that have impacted operations and overall success. “These existing risks need to be continuously evaluated for reliability,” she remarked, stressing the importance of an adaptive and evolving risk management approach.
As the workshop commenced, Mrs. Ramabele Smith underscored its purpose in enhancing the Ministry’s capacity to manage uncertainty effectively. She noted that over the course of the three days, participants would delve into the key principles and processes of an effective ERM framework. The workshop was designed to foster understanding and practical insights into identifying, measuring, mitigating, and managing risks comprehensively.
Mrs. Ramabele Smith affirmed that Enterprise Risk Management is emerging as an indispensable tool for strategic leadership and resilience. The workshop is expected to strengthen the Ministry’s risk management practices and contribute to sustainable, informed decision-making processes.