In a statement on Wednesday, the office of the Auditor-General of South Africa confirmed that Makwetu died in hospital. He was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in June 2018.

"As the national audit office, we join the Makwetu family in mourning his death. We ask the public to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with the passing, and to give them the privacy and space to deal with his passing," said the statement.

Makwetu was officially appointed auditor-general in December 2013 by former president Jacob Zuma for seven years.

He was due to leave office at the end of this month.

Makwetu was recently appointed to the United Nations Independent Audit Advisory Committee.

EWN