Use of emojis in the workplace
The use of the emojis and WhatsApp messages in the workplace has taken centre stage in the sexual harassment hearing against Eastern Cape Judge President Selby Mbenenge. Closing arguments were presented before the tribunal on 21 October…
Is Workplace Psychological Safety a Buzzword or an Ethical Imperative?
Recent scandals involving Nestlé executive Laurent Freixe and AI startup Astronomer’s CEO Andy Byron, both of whom engaged in relationships with subordinates, highlight deeper ethical failures beyond personal misconduct. From South African…
A busted myth, or scientific possibility?
We live in a time when ethics often feels more like a buzzword than a benchmark. Especially in recent years, it has become a headline grabber, frequently quoted but rarely practised. From scandals to whispered cover-ups, society has good…
Who Is Watching the Watchers? South Africa’s Political Appointments and the Crisis of Ethical Governance
“They are not just protecting criminals—they are obstructing justice.” These are not the words of an opposition politician or activist. They are the words of a senior police officer: KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner Lieutenant-General…
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…
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…
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…
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 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 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…