The Role of Legislation in Promoting Ethical Practices
While it is important to distinguish between what is legal and what is ethical, there is undeniably a relationship between the two. Earl Warren, who served as US Chief Justice from 1953 to 1969, famously said that "the law floats on a sea…
Navigating Choppy Waters with a Moral Compass
As organisations navigate the complex landscape of 2025, they will encounter a myriad of ethical challenges shaped by rapid technological advancements, shifting societal expectations, heightened scrutiny from stakeholders, and complex…
The Dangers of Euphemistic Language in Reporting Unethical Behaviour
The Merriam Webster Dictionary defines Euphemistic language, or euphemism, as “the substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something that is unpleasant.” In simpler terms, the purpose of…
The State of Affairs of the Nation
In June 2024, I wrote an article reflecting on the role of ethical leadership in upholding the values of the Constitution to ensure that the state of the South African nation improves. A few months later, one must wonder whether the tide…
Like red traffic lights in South Africa: Is the King IV governance of ethics directive merely a suggestion?
During a Trevor Noah show he stated that in South Africa a red traffic light was merely a suggestion. The question addressed in this article is whether Principle 2 of the King IV Report on Corporate Governance™, namely that “The governing…
One more thing… a little more Ethical Courage!
Photo reference: cyrilramaphosa. (2019, May 25). Photo posted on Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/cyrilramaphosa/ On 15 February 2018, Cyril Ramaphosa was elected by the National Assembly as the Acting President of South Africa. His…
The Diminishing Value of Employees
In recent years, employees have increasingly been stripped of their right to be human – to be living beings with the natural ability to think freely, feel, and respond. The widespread stoic behaviour exhibited by employees stems from…
The time to remoralise local government is now
In a recent address, the Auditor-General, Ms Tsakani Maluleke, reflected that, despite efforts and guidance through the audit process, financial governance in municipalities remained a persistent challenge. She spoke about the importance…
The Power of Example: Why Business Needs More Ethical Role Models
In South Africa, a nation grappling with the enduring legacy of apartheid, pervasive corruption, and profound socio-economic inequality, the imperative for ethical leadership and role models has never been more pressing. A fundamental…
Leading with integrity: Embracing ethical leadership for a better future
With the 2024 national election now in the past, one cannot help but wonder what the future holds for South Africa. Many promises were made during the election, but it remains to be seen if these promises will be honoured. Transposing the…