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…
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…