From Sharpeville to Smuts – The Fight to Save a Generation
As South Africa commemorated Youth Day on June 16, we remembered the courage and sacrifice of those who stood against oppression in pursuit of justice, equality, and a better future. This day marks the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising,…
Employee cynicism: A slow death for your organisation
The majority of organisations have some level of awareness regarding the importance of cultivating sustainable ethical cultures over time. An ethical culture is the collective ethics mindset of the organisation. It develops over many…
Ethical Leadership Is as Scarce as Water in Johannesburg
As a citizen of Johannesburg, our water crisis is more dire than ever before. Our community WhatsApp groups are filled with people expressing frustration at water shedding, burst pipes and the lack of consistent water supply. Water…
Gender Equality in South Africa Demands More Than Policy — It Needs Ethical Leadership
Gender equality continues to be one of South Africa’s most pressing societal challenges. Despite decades of progress, the country continues to grapple with issues related to safety, empowerment, and the upliftment of marginalised…
Does the Constitutional Court Prioritise the Rights of the Politically Connected Above the Rights of Citizens?
A recent Constitutional Court judgement (9 April 2025) decided that it is unconstitutional to prevent municipal employees from holding office in political parties. Does this mean that Fikile Mbalula, Helen Zille, and Jacob Zuma could now…
Whistleblowers Are Not the Problem – Our Culture Is
Ethical culture plays a crucial role in shaping behaviour, decision-making, and accountability in any community or organisation. Whistleblowers expose misconduct, corruption, or unethical behaviour in these environments. They play a vital…
Diversity Redefined: Examining the Tensions Between Majority Rule and Minority Rights
For much of human history, societies have aspired to embrace diversity, viewing it as a pathway to inclusion and equality. However, in contemporary governance and policy, diversity is being increasingly reinterpreted in ways that risk…
Morality, AI and the Future of Humanity
Two pressing questions shape our time: What is the moral state of humanity? How powerful will Artificial Intelligence (AI) become? At first glance, these questions may appear unrelated. But allow me to explain. Think about international…
The Weight of Moral Distress
Before diving into the causes and consequences of moral distress, consider whether you or your colleagues might be experiencing it. Ask yourself: Have I ever felt pressured to act against my ethical beliefs at work? Do I feel powerless to…
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…