Our staff is the heart of our organisation. Responsibilities are taken care of by corporate service staff, subject matter experts and a network of part-time associates who compliment each other’s skills, talents, and style of work.
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Dinah Mafahlane
Housekeeper
Celia Lourens
Chief Projects and Funding Officer
Celia holds a National Diploma in Marketing, a Bachelor’s in Commerce in Business Management, and an Honours degree in Business Management from the University of South Africa. In 2023, she graduated with a Master of Commerce degree in Organisational Strategy and Business Ethics from the University of Pretoria. Celia has extensive international experience in the strategic integration of marketing, communications, project management, and fundraising. She manages funded initiatives for TEI and oversees high-level sponsor relationships. Additionally, Celia serves on the executive committee of the Business Ethics Network – Africa.
Dantia Richards
Governance and Communications Executive
Dantia Richards joined TEI in September 2012 and currently holds the position of Governance and Communications Executive at the Institute. She boasts extensive executive management experience in the private sector, complemented by a wealth of operational management experience in the public sector, non-profit sector, and private consulting.
For the past seven years, Dantia has effectively served as the Company Secretary for TEI’s esteemed Board of Directors. Moreover, she is a highly valued member of the Institute’s executive management committee. This committee plays a vital role as the central decision-making and oversight body, responsible for shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, policies, and operations.
Dantia is not only a certified Ethics Officer but also a Certified Director recognised by the Institute of Directors of South Africa. In addition, she holds the position of the appointed Information Officer for the Institute.
Dr Liezl Groenewald
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI), and she recently concluded her term as the President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa). In 2022, she successfully completed her PhD in Applied Ethics. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa.
Dr Groenewald is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored The Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook.
In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She holds a membership on the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a valued member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at the Stellenbosch University’s Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr. Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her deep commitment to advancing ethical practices within organisations and across industries.
Dr Liezl Groenewald
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI), and she recently concluded her term as the President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa). In 2022, she successfully completed her PhD in Applied Ethics. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa.
Dr Groenewald is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored The Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook.
In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She holds a membership on the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a valued member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at the Stellenbosch University’s Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr. Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her deep commitment to advancing ethical practices within organisations and across industries.
Dr Paul Vorster
Head of Research Bureau
Dr Paul Vorster is an accomplished Industrial Organisational Psychologist who has dedicated his career to training and development programmes and research that promote ethical decision-making and conduct in the workplace.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial-Organisational Psychology from the University of Johannesburg with his primary topic involving the psychometric measurement of personality. Additionally, he obtained an Ethics Officer Certification from the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) and The Ethics Institute. He has also consulted with the United Nations funded International Anti-Corruption Academy and is also a member of the International Test Commission which evaluates psychometric validity of survey measurement techniques (psychometrics).
With over 11 years of experience in training and development, and psychometric measurement, Dr Vorster has expertise in a range of content areas. He has facilitated programmes in leadership profiling, ethics and business ethics, ethical culture and climate, ethical decision-making, behavioural ethics (combating social forces that may undermine ethical decision-making), ethics ambassador training, resolving ethical dilemmas and challenges, and professional ethics. He has also made a substantial impact in the measurement of ethical culture and climate and is one of the custodians of the Ethics Ambassador Programme. Dr Vorster has written the Ethical Culture Handbook as well as the Ethics Ambassadors’ Handbook both of which try to help organisations to improve and understand their ethical culture. In addition, he has also been the custodian of the South African Business Ethics Survey as well as the Social and Ethics Committee Trends Survey both of which illuminate the state of the governance of ethics, ethics management, and ethical culture in organisations across South Africa. Dr Vorster’s efforts have had a significant impact, and he is credited with the development of the Ethics@theMovies concept, which has been implemented in South Africa since 2013. He is also credited with assisting organisations to engage in behavioural ethics programmes helping them to improve their ethical culture maturity.
Dr Vorster is a respected thought leader and has been invited to speak at various events. He has shared his insights at conferences, workshops, and webinars. He has also been a guest on several TV and radio shows, where he has discussed the importance of promoting ethical decision-making in the workplace.
Prof. Leon van Vuuren
Executive Director: Organisational Ethics
Prof. Leon van Vuuren currently holds the position of Executive Director: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Prior to joining TEI in July 2014, he held the position of professor in Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for 28 years, where he taught industrial psychology and business and professional ethics. Additionally, he holds the roles of Adjunct Professor in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU).
He served two five-year terms on the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA (2010 – 2020) and is a member of the Social and Ethics Committee of Abraham Kriel-Bambanani Children’s Homes.
Leon has contributed significantly to scholarly literature with numerous articles published in both international and national journals. He is the co-author of “Business Ethics” (6th ed., 2017) and has edited several handbooks. He was the founding editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics. At TEI, he focus lies on ethical leadership development, the governance and management of ethics, and organisational ethical culture change.
Annie Ou-Yang
Research Specialist
Annie Ou-Yang is a Researcher at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Annie first joined TEI as an industrial psychology intern after completing her Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town. Currently, she is a registered industrial psychologist with HPCSA and a certified Ethics Officer with TEI. Her role has been analysing and compiling ethics risk assessment reports whilst testing the reliability and validity of TEI’s survey instruments. In addition, she has worked on the South African Business Ethics Survey and the Social and Ethics Committee Trends Survey.
Bella Mkhabela
Project Facilitator
Bella is a Project Facilitator at The Ethics Institute (TEI), where she plays a key role in coordinating and administering funded projects and fundraising initiatives. As the newest member of the TEI team, she brings fresh energy to event planning, partner liaison, and project implementation. Bella holds a BA Honours in Public Management and Governance, equipping her with a solid foundation in public sector management, which she leverages to support the institution’s mission of promoting ethical leadership and governance.
Kris Dobie
Senior Manager: Organisational Ethics
Kris Dobie is Senior Manager: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI), based in Pretoria, South Africa.
His involvement in organisational ethics started in 2004, and he has developed a special interest in corruption prevention. Over the years he has supported the South African Government with numerous policy projects, including the development of the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capacity Guidance and the 2016 South African Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy. He has initiated and led a number of funded initiatives, including the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) and the Ethically Aware Supplier Induction Programme (EASI).
Kris is the lead researcher on the South African Citizens’ Bribery Survey, as well as the Public Sector Ethics Survey, and he co-authored the TEI Ethics Reporting and Auditing Handbook. He served on the Global Reporting Initiative’s anti-corruption working group for the review of the ethics and anti-corruption reporting guidelines for the GRI’s G4 reporting standard. He also served on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Reference Group which was tasked with finalising the 2020 South African National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
He holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pretoria, as well as MPhil in Workplace Ethics (Cum Laude) from the same institution.
Narisscia Campher
Communications Portfolio Manager
Narisscia Campher is a communications professional dedicated to leveraging her knowledge, creativity, and skills to amplify the voices of non-profit organisations. She completed her Master of Philosophy in Strategic Communication Management at the University of Pretoria in 2021, earning recognition with the Postgraduate Masters Coursework Performance Bursary. Joining the esteemed Golden Key International Honour Society in 2022 further underscores her commitment to excellence in academia and beyond. Narisscia upholds a strong work ethic and firmly believes in ongoing education to enhance her abilities.
She finds great satisfaction in crafting written content, refining materials, and developing strategies that facilitate transformative messages and create a meaningful impact. Currently, she holds the position of Communications Portfolio Manager at The Ethics Institute (TEI) and serves as a Communication Specialist at The Whistleblower House.
Throughout her career, Narisscia has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in communication management, implementing strategies to enhance organisational reputation and stakeholder engagement. Her journey is defined by a passion for effective communication, a dedication to professional growth, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in every role she undertakes.
Remofiloe Kale
Executive Office Manager, Assistant to CEO
Remofiloe Kale joined The Ethics Institute in 2016 and presently serves as the Office Manager. Holding a diploma in Office Management and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, she is a dedicated professional with extensive management experience. Passionate about helping people, she sees the office manager role as vital to the smooth functioning of any organisation. In this position, she focuses on achieving positive results and devising innovative strategies to meet set goals.
Remofiloe is currently working on acquiring advanced Human Resource Specialist skills, with the aim to enhance performance and motivation among colleagues. Remofiloe is a people’s person and appreciates the inherent connection-building aspect of her field, which allows for positive interactions with others. This genuine interest in people aligns with the broader mission of The Ethics Institute, contributing to a cohesive and effective organisational environment.
Remofiloe Kale
Executive Office Manager, Assistant to CEO
Remofiloe Kale joined The Ethics Institute in 2016 and presently serves as the Office Manager. Holding a diploma in Office Management and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, she is a dedicated professional with extensive management experience. Passionate about helping people, she sees the office manager role as vital to the smooth functioning of any organisation. In this position, she focuses on achieving positive results and devising innovative strategies to meet set goals.
Remofiloe is currently working on acquiring advanced Human Resource Specialist skills, with the aim to enhance performance and motivation among colleagues. Remofiloe is a people’s person and appreciates the inherent connection-building aspect of her field, which allows for positive interactions with others. This genuine interest in people aligns with the broader mission of The Ethics Institute, contributing to a cohesive and effective organisational environment.
Dantia Richards
Governance and Communications Executive
Dantia Richards joined TEI in September 2012 and currently holds the position of Governance and Communications Executive at the Institute. She boasts extensive executive management experience in the private sector, complemented by a wealth of operational management experience in the public sector, non-profit sector, and private consulting.
For the past seven years, Dantia has effectively served as the Company Secretary for TEI’s esteemed Board of Directors. Moreover, she is a highly valued member of the Institute’s executive management committee. This committee plays a vital role as the central decision-making and oversight body, responsible for shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, policies, and operations.
Dantia is not only a certified Ethics Officer but also a Certified Director recognised by the Institute of Directors of South Africa. In addition, she holds the position of the appointed Information Officer for the Institute.
Jovita Matos Fazenda
Ethics Subject Matter Expert and International Bureau
Jovita is an Ethics Subject Matter Expert and heads up the International Bureau at The Ethics Institute with a Masters in Anticorruption Studies from the International Academy of Anticorruption (IACA), and a Certified Ethics Officer. She serves as a BEN-AFRICA Advisory Board Member and an Associate and Supporter of the Coalition for Organizational Integrity in Mozambique. Jovita is a trained lawyer with an LLB Degree and over 20 years of experience in various legal functions.
She has been an active associate and contributor to the Ethics Institute for the past 8 years, focused on the implementation of the Siemens Integrity Initiative project in Mozambique. A passionate ethics trainer and speaker on ethics, culture, values, and ethics risk management, with experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating corporate ethics programs. She has hands-on experience in risk management, particularly in managing ethics and compliance risk, and implementing ethics and corporate governance programs.
“I believe that ethics and values are the basis of any lasting relationship, be it social or business.”
Ethics are at the centre of any sustainability conversation. Only through balancing our interests with those of others and the greater good can we find the equilibrium to build lasting environments and relationships.
Dinah Mafahlane
Housekeeper
Lizette Hattingh
Senior Associate Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Lizette Hattingh is a Senior Associate Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute. She has more than 30 years of experience in the full range of HR management functions, talent management, as well as organisational development. She started her career in the financial sector and has led various projects on leadership development, talent management, psychometric assessments, assessment centres, as well as training and development. During the time that Lizette was a senior consultant in the Leadership Development Unit of a well-known Management Consulting Firm (2002 – 2007), she used her skills and knowledge to administer and interpret different types of leadership assessments, designed and managed leadership development programmes, and assisted in developing strategies for talent management.
Lizette joined The Ethics Institute in 2013 as an associate. Her current role includes project management and ethics management interventions such as Ethics Risk and Opportunity Assessments and ethics training. She has consulted with various organisations across industries in both the private sector and state-owned enterprises. Lizette holds a BA from the University of Orange Free State (1983), a BA Honours (Psychology) from UOFS (1984), and an M.Phil Personal & Professional Leadership (cum laude) from the University of Johannesburg (2001). She is registered as a Psychometrist with HPCSA and was certified as an Ethics Officer by the University of Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and The Ethics Institute.
Palesa Mashabane
Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Palesa Mashabane is an Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute (TEI). She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree (Social Work & Psychology) from the University of Cape Town and a Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance Management (Cum Laude) from the University of Johannesburg. She has completed a Middle Management Development Programme for Women with GIBS, as well as a Certificate in Business Management from the University of South Africa. Palesa is a Certified Ethics Officer through the Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and TEI.
Her journey with TEI commenced after her tenure of over 10 years at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), where she dedicated her primary years to promoting corporate governance practices and ethics management across the Bank’s holistic ecosystem. During this period, her fervent passion for shaping and contributing meaningfully to an ethical society was fortified. She achieved this by nurturing responsible corporate citizens at every tier of the Bank, with the understanding that their influence would extend both within and beyond the confines of the DBSA.
Prior to her role at the DBSA, she served at Africa’s largest pension fund – the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)’s administrative office, now known as the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA). In this capacity, she cultivated her empathetic and client-centric approach while serving in the Client Relationship Management domain. Preceding this, she gained experience within the mining sector, working for prominent entities such as Aquarius Platinum and Xstrata Alloys, which has since transformed into Glencore (Lion Smelter).
Prof. Leon van Vuuren
Executive Director: Organisational Ethics
Prof. Leon van Vuuren currently holds the position of Executive Director: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Prior to joining TEI in July 2014, he held the position of professor in Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for 28 years, where he taught industrial psychology and business and professional ethics. Additionally, he holds the roles of Adjunct Professor in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU).
He served two five-year terms on the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA (2010 – 2020) and is a member of the Social and Ethics Committee of Abraham Kriel-Bambanani Children’s Homes.
Leon has contributed significantly to scholarly literature with numerous articles published in both international and national journals. He is the co-author of “Business Ethics” (6th ed., 2017) and has edited several handbooks. He was the founding editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics. At TEI, he focus lies on ethical leadership development, the governance and management of ethics, and organisational ethical culture change.
Siphiwayinkosi Mdluli
Organisational Ethics Practitioner
Siphiwayinkosi Mdluli is currently an Organisational Ethics Practitioner at The Ethics Institute (TEI). He holds a Master of Management in Governance from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In his role, he supports TEI staff in various capacities, including research, project management, facilitating training for junior and mid-level employees, conducting interviews, writing articles, and providing administrative support. He is also a Certified Ethics Officer with the Institute.
Fatima Rawat
Senior Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Fatima Rawat holds the position of Senior Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute, where she is an integral part of the Public Sector Team. With over two decades of experience, Fatima is an admitted attorney who has dedicated her career to supporting and advising the public sector. Her expertise spans Corporate Governance, Ethics Management, Legal Affairs, and Human Resources.
In addition to her consulting role, Fatima is actively involved in training and facilitating discussions on organisational ethics. She plays a crucial role in various educational programmes, including The Ethics Institute’s Ethics Officer Certification Programme, the University of Johannesburg’s Corporate Governance Programme, and the IODSA’s Governance of Ethics and Social & Ethics Committee Programmes.
Fatima is a member of professional committees such as the IODSA’s Social and Ethics Committee Forum and SAICA’s Ethics Committee. Her contributions extend beyond consultancy and training as she has co-authored significant publications like the Ethics Ambassador Handbook and the Local Government Ethics Committee Handbook.
Dr Liezl Groenewald
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI), and she recently concluded her term as the President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa). In 2022, she successfully completed her PhD in Applied Ethics. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa.
Dr Groenewald is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored The Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook.
In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She holds a membership on the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a valued member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at the Stellenbosch University’s Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr. Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her deep commitment to advancing ethical practices within organisations and across industries.
Remofiloe Kale
Executive Office Manager, Assistant to CEO
Remofiloe Kale joined The Ethics Institute in 2016 and presently serves as the Office Manager. Holding a diploma in Office Management and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, she is a dedicated professional with extensive management experience. Passionate about helping people, she sees the office manager role as vital to the smooth functioning of any organisation. In this position, she focuses on achieving positive results and devising innovative strategies to meet set goals.
Remofiloe is currently working on acquiring advanced Human Resource Specialist skills, with the aim to enhance performance and motivation among colleagues. Remofiloe is a people’s person and appreciates the inherent connection-building aspect of her field, which allows for positive interactions with others. This genuine interest in people aligns with the broader mission of The Ethics Institute, contributing to a cohesive and effective organisational environment.
Dantia Richards
Governance and Communications Executive
Dantia Richards joined TEI in September 2012 and currently holds the position of Governance and Communications Executive at the Institute. She boasts extensive executive management experience in the private sector, complemented by a wealth of operational management experience in the public sector, non-profit sector, and private consulting.
For the past seven years, Dantia has effectively served as the Company Secretary for TEI’s esteemed Board of Directors. Moreover, she is a highly valued member of the Institute’s executive management committee. This committee plays a vital role as the central decision-making and oversight body, responsible for shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, policies, and operations.
Dantia is not only a certified Ethics Officer but also a Certified Director recognised by the Institute of Directors of South Africa. In addition, she holds the position of the appointed Information Officer for the Institute.
Prof. Leon van Vuuren
Executive Director: Organisational Ethics
Prof. Leon van Vuuren currently holds the position of Executive Director: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Prior to joining TEI in July 2014, he held the position of professor in Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for 28 years, where he taught industrial psychology and business and professional ethics. Additionally, he holds the roles of Adjunct Professor in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU).
He served two five-year terms on the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA (2010 – 2020) and is a member of the Social and Ethics Committee of Abraham Kriel-Bambanani Children’s Homes.
Leon has contributed significantly to scholarly literature with numerous articles published in both international and national journals. He is the co-author of “Business Ethics” (6th ed., 2017) and has edited several handbooks. He was the founding editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics. At TEI, he focus lies on ethical leadership development, the governance and management of ethics, and organisational ethical culture change.
Dr Liezl Groenewald
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI), and she recently concluded her term as the President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa). In 2022, she successfully completed her PhD in Applied Ethics. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa.
Dr Groenewald is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored The Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook.
In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She holds a membership on the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a valued member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at the Stellenbosch University’s Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr. Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her deep commitment to advancing ethical practices within organisations and across industries.
Prof. Leon van Vuuren
Executive Director: Organisational Ethics
Prof. Leon van Vuuren currently holds the position of Executive Director: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Prior to joining TEI in July 2014, he held the position of professor in Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for 28 years, where he taught industrial psychology and business and professional ethics. Additionally, he holds the roles of Adjunct Professor in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU).
He served two five-year terms on the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA (2010 – 2020) and is a member of the Social and Ethics Committee of Abraham Kriel-Bambanani Children’s Homes.
Leon has contributed significantly to scholarly literature with numerous articles published in both international and national journals. He is the co-author of “Business Ethics” (6th ed., 2017) and has edited several handbooks. He was the founding editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics. At TEI, he focus lies on ethical leadership development, the governance and management of ethics, and organisational ethical culture change.
Kris Dobie
Senior Manager: Organisational Ethics
Kris Dobie is Senior Manager: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI), based in Pretoria, South Africa.
His involvement in organisational ethics started in 2004, and he has developed a special interest in corruption prevention. Over the years he has supported the South African Government with numerous policy projects, including the development of the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capacity Guidance and the 2016 South African Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy. He has initiated and led a number of funded initiatives, including the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) and the Ethically Aware Supplier Induction Programme (EASI).
Kris is the lead researcher on the South African Citizens’ Bribery Survey, as well as the Public Sector Ethics Survey, and he co-authored the TEI Ethics Reporting and Auditing Handbook. He served on the Global Reporting Initiative’s anti-corruption working group for the review of the ethics and anti-corruption reporting guidelines for the GRI’s G4 reporting standard. He also served on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Reference Group which was tasked with finalising the 2020 South African National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
He holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pretoria, as well as MPhil in Workplace Ethics (Cum Laude) from the same institution.
Jovita Matos Fazenda
Ethics Subject Matter Expert and International Bureau
Jovita is an Ethics Subject Matter Expert and heads up the International Bureau at The Ethics Institute with a Masters in Anticorruption Studies from the International Academy of Anticorruption (IACA), and a Certified Ethics Officer. She serves as a BEN-AFRICA Advisory Board Member and an Associate and Supporter of the Coalition for Organizational Integrity in Mozambique. Jovita is a trained lawyer with an LLB Degree and over 20 years of experience in various legal functions.
She has been an active associate and contributor to the Ethics Institute for the past 8 years, focused on the implementation of the Siemens Integrity Initiative project in Mozambique. A passionate ethics trainer and speaker on ethics, culture, values, and ethics risk management, with experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating corporate ethics programs. She has hands-on experience in risk management, particularly in managing ethics and compliance risk, and implementing ethics and corporate governance programs.
“I believe that ethics and values are the basis of any lasting relationship, be it social or business.”
Ethics are at the centre of any sustainability conversation. Only through balancing our interests with those of others and the greater good can we find the equilibrium to build lasting environments and relationships.
Lizette Hattingh
Senior Associate Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Lizette Hattingh is a Senior Associate Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute. She has more than 30 years of experience in the full range of HR management functions, talent management, as well as organisational development. She started her career in the financial sector and has led various projects on leadership development, talent management, psychometric assessments, assessment centres, as well as training and development. During the time that Lizette was a senior consultant in the Leadership Development Unit of a well-known Management Consulting Firm (2002 – 2007), she used her skills and knowledge to administer and interpret different types of leadership assessments, designed and managed leadership development programmes, and assisted in developing strategies for talent management.
Lizette joined The Ethics Institute in 2013 as an associate. Her current role includes project management and ethics management interventions such as Ethics Risk and Opportunity Assessments and ethics training. She has consulted with various organisations across industries in both the private sector and state-owned enterprises. Lizette holds a BA from the University of Orange Free State (1983), a BA Honours (Psychology) from UOFS (1984), and an M.Phil Personal & Professional Leadership (cum laude) from the University of Johannesburg (2001). She is registered as a Psychometrist with HPCSA and was certified as an Ethics Officer by the University of Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and The Ethics Institute.
Palesa Mashabane
Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Palesa Mashabane is an Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute (TEI). She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree (Social Work & Psychology) from the University of Cape Town and a Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance Management (Cum Laude) from the University of Johannesburg. She has completed a Middle Management Development Programme for Women with GIBS, as well as a Certificate in Business Management from the University of South Africa. Palesa is a Certified Ethics Officer through the Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and TEI.
Her journey with TEI commenced after her tenure of over 10 years at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), where she dedicated her primary years to promoting corporate governance practices and ethics management across the Bank’s holistic ecosystem. During this period, her fervent passion for shaping and contributing meaningfully to an ethical society was fortified. She achieved this by nurturing responsible corporate citizens at every tier of the Bank, with the understanding that their influence would extend both within and beyond the confines of the DBSA.
Prior to her role at the DBSA, she served at Africa’s largest pension fund – the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)’s administrative office, now known as the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA). In this capacity, she cultivated her empathetic and client-centric approach while serving in the Client Relationship Management domain. Preceding this, she gained experience within the mining sector, working for prominent entities such as Aquarius Platinum and Xstrata Alloys, which has since transformed into Glencore (Lion Smelter).
Fatima Rawat
Senior Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Fatima Rawat holds the position of Senior Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute, where she is an integral part of the Public Sector Team. With over two decades of experience, Fatima is an admitted attorney who has dedicated her career to supporting and advising the public sector. Her expertise spans Corporate Governance, Ethics Management, Legal Affairs, and Human Resources.
In addition to her consulting role, Fatima is actively involved in training and facilitating discussions on organisational ethics. She plays a crucial role in various educational programmes, including The Ethics Institute’s Ethics Officer Certification Programme, the University of Johannesburg’s Corporate Governance Programme, and the IODSA’s Governance of Ethics and Social & Ethics Committee Programmes.
Fatima is a member of professional committees such as the IODSA’s Social and Ethics Committee Forum and SAICA’s Ethics Committee. Her contributions extend beyond consultancy and training as she has co-authored significant publications like the Ethics Ambassador Handbook and the Local Government Ethics Committee Handbook.
Prof. Deon Rossouw
Governance Associate
Prof Deon Rossouw previously served as the CEO of The Ethics Institute (based in Pretoria) and currently holds the position of governance associate. He is an Extraordinary Professor in Philosophy at the University of Stellenbosch, and Chairperson of the International Banknote Ethics Initiative.
Deon studied at Stellenbosch University where he also was chairman of the student representative council. His academic career started at Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg where he became Professor and Head of the Philosophy Department and served on the Executive Committee of the University. In 2004, he moved to the University of Pretoria where he was Head of the Philosophy Department and Director of the Centre for Business and Professional Ethics. During 2008 to 2009, he spent a year as Program Executive for Business Ethics at the Globethics.net Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Deon is an internationally recognized expert in Business Ethics and the Ethics of Corporate Governance, and published several books as well as academic articles in leading international journals.
He was the Founding President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) and served as President of the International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics (ISBEE).
Deon is a member of the King Committee for Corporate Governance in South Africa. He also chairs the Social and Ethics Committee Forum of the IoDSA.
He has been recognized as a Chartered Director by the Institute of Directors of South Africa, and serve in executive and non-executive positions on a number of governing bodies.
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Dinah Mafahlane
Housekeeper
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Corisa Walter
Accountant
B.Compt Accounting
Ethics Officer 1013
Remofiloe Kale
Executive Office Manager, Assistant to CEO
Remofiloe Kale joined The Ethics Institute in 2016 and presently serves as the Office Manager. Holding a diploma in Office Management and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, she is a dedicated professional with extensive management experience. Passionate about helping people, she sees the office manager role as vital to the smooth functioning of any organisation. In this position, she focuses on achieving positive results and devising innovative strategies to meet set goals.
Remofiloe is currently working on acquiring advanced Human Resource Specialist skills, with the aim to enhance performance and motivation among colleagues. Remofiloe is a people’s person and appreciates the inherent connection-building aspect of her field, which allows for positive interactions with others. This genuine interest in people aligns with the broader mission of The Ethics Institute, contributing to a cohesive and effective organisational environment.
Dinah Mafahlane
Housekeeper
Siphiwayinkosi Mdluli
Organisational Ethics Practitioner
Siphiwayinkosi Mdluli is currently an Organisational Ethics Practitioner at The Ethics Institute (TEI). He holds a Master of Management in Governance from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In his role, he supports TEI staff in various capacities, including research, project management, facilitating training for junior and mid-level employees, conducting interviews, writing articles, and providing administrative support. He is also a Certified Ethics Officer with the Institute.
Rebecca Motale
Front-office Manager
Rebecca joined The Ethics Institute in 2007 and currently holds the role of Front-Office Manager. Drawing upon her background in Office Administration, she brings a wealth of experience to TEI, offering support to senior managers. The cultivation of effective communication skills is a key aspect of her role, underscoring its invaluable importance for administrative assistants. The joy Rebecca finds as an admin assistant lies in being at the hub of activity, always informed about the ongoings in the office. This positions her to contribute to the seamless execution of significant events and projects, reflecting her belief in finding “meaning and joy in what we do.”
In addition to her professional pursuits, Rebecca is actively engaged in studying one of the 12 official languages, namely SASL (South African Sign Language). She finds learning sign language to be both enjoyable and fascinating. Beyond its inherent appeal, sign language serves as a crucial means of communication for many in the deaf community, fostering connections and relationships. Rebecca is passionate about the idea that a more inclusive society can emerge when more people are proficient in sign language. An intriguing aspect of sign language is its ability to facilitate communication without causing disruption, offering a unique and valuable method of interaction.
Kgothatso Tshabalala
Training and Events Coordinator
Kgothatso Tshabalala is a professional with a background in communication and extensive experience in event coordination and training management. Currently serving as a Training and Events Coordinator at The Ethics Institute, she plays a pivotal role in designing training programmes, managing event logistics, and ensuring the smooth execution of both open and in-house training sessions.
Kgothatso is a Certified Ethics Officer and holds a Training and Development Management Certificate from the University of Cape Town. Holds a BA in Communication from the University of South Africa and is pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Communication Management at the University of Pretoria.
Corisa Walter
Accountant
Dr Paul Vorster
Head of Research Bureau
Dr Paul Vorster is an accomplished Industrial Organisational Psychologist who has dedicated his career to training and development programmes and research that promote ethical decision-making and conduct in the workplace.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial-Organisational Psychology from the University of Johannesburg with his primary topic involving the psychometric measurement of personality. Additionally, he obtained an Ethics Officer Certification from the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) and The Ethics Institute. He has also consulted with the United Nations funded International Anti-Corruption Academy and is also a member of the International Test Commission which evaluates psychometric validity of survey measurement techniques (psychometrics).
With over 11 years of experience in training and development, and psychometric measurement, Dr Vorster has expertise in a range of content areas. He has facilitated programmes in leadership profiling, ethics and business ethics, ethical culture and climate, ethical decision-making, behavioural ethics (combating social forces that may undermine ethical decision-making), ethics ambassador training, resolving ethical dilemmas and challenges, and professional ethics. He has also made a substantial impact in the measurement of ethical culture and climate and is one of the custodians of the Ethics Ambassador Programme. Dr Vorster has written the Ethical Culture Handbook as well as the Ethics Ambassadors’ Handbook both of which try to help organisations to improve and understand their ethical culture. In addition, he has also been the custodian of the South African Business Ethics Survey as well as the Social and Ethics Committee Trends Survey both of which illuminate the state of the governance of ethics, ethics management, and ethical culture in organisations across South Africa. Dr Vorster’s efforts have had a significant impact, and he is credited with the development of the Ethics@theMovies concept, which has been implemented in South Africa since 2013. He is also credited with assisting organisations to engage in behavioural ethics programmes helping them to improve their ethical culture maturity.
Dr Vorster is a respected thought leader and has been invited to speak at various events. He has shared his insights at conferences, workshops, and webinars. He has also been a guest on several TV and radio shows, where he has discussed the importance of promoting ethical decision-making in the workplace.
Annie Ou-Yang
Research Specialist
Annie Ou-Yang is a Researcher at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Annie first joined TEI as an industrial psychology intern after completing her Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town. Currently, she is a registered industrial psychologist with HPCSA and a certified Ethics Officer with TEI. Her role has been analysing and compiling ethics risk assessment reports whilst testing the reliability and validity of TEI’s survey instruments. In addition, she has worked on the South African Business Ethics Survey and the Social and Ethics Committee Trends Survey.
Executive Management
Dr Liezl Groenewald
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI), and she recently concluded her term as the President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa). In 2022, she successfully completed her PhD in Applied Ethics. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa.
Dr Groenewald is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored The Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook.
In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She holds a membership on the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a valued member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at the Stellenbosch University’s Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr. Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her deep commitment to advancing ethical practices within organisations and across industries.
Remofiloe Kale
Executive Office Manager, Assistant to CEO
Remofiloe Kale joined The Ethics Institute in 2016 and presently serves as the Office Manager. Holding a diploma in Office Management and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, she is a dedicated professional with extensive management experience. Passionate about helping people, she sees the office manager role as vital to the smooth functioning of any organisation. In this position, she focuses on achieving positive results and devising innovative strategies to meet set goals.
Remofiloe is currently working on acquiring advanced Human Resource Specialist skills, with the aim to enhance performance and motivation among colleagues. Remofiloe is a people’s person and appreciates the inherent connection-building aspect of her field, which allows for positive interactions with others. This genuine interest in people aligns with the broader mission of The Ethics Institute, contributing to a cohesive and effective organisational environment.
Dantia Richards
Governance and Communications Executive
Dantia Richards joined TEI in September 2012 and currently holds the position of Governance and Communications Executive at the Institute. She boasts extensive executive management experience in the private sector, complemented by a wealth of operational management experience in the public sector, non-profit sector, and private consulting.
For the past seven years, Dantia has effectively served as the Company Secretary for TEI’s esteemed Board of Directors. Moreover, she is a highly valued member of the Institute’s executive management committee. This committee plays a vital role as the central decision-making and oversight body, responsible for shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, policies, and operations.
Dantia is not only a certified Ethics Officer but also a Certified Director recognised by the Institute of Directors of South Africa. In addition, she holds the position of the appointed Information Officer for the Institute.
Prof. Leon van Vuuren
Executive Director: Organisational Ethics
Prof. Leon van Vuuren currently holds the position of Executive Director: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Prior to joining TEI in July 2014, he held the position of professor in Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for 28 years, where he taught industrial psychology and business and professional ethics. Additionally, he holds the roles of Adjunct Professor in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU).
He served two five-year terms on the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA (2010 – 2020) and is a member of the Social and Ethics Committee of Abraham Kriel-Bambanani Children’s Homes.
Leon has contributed significantly to scholarly literature with numerous articles published in both international and national journals. He is the co-author of “Business Ethics” (6th ed., 2017) and has edited several handbooks. He was the founding editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics. At TEI, he focus lies on ethical leadership development, the governance and management of ethics, and organisational ethical culture change.
Subject Matter Experts
Dr Liezl Groenewald
Chief Executive Officer
Dr Liezl Groenewald is the CEO of The Ethics Institute (TEI), and she recently concluded her term as the President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa). In 2022, she successfully completed her PhD in Applied Ethics. With a wealth of experience, she takes on the role of a seasoned facilitator for The Ethics Institute, as well as for the Institute of Directors South Africa (IoDSA). Additionally, she serves as a guest lecturer at a business school in Innsbruck, Austria (MCI), and at various business schools in South Africa.
Dr Groenewald is a sought-after speaker at both local and international conferences. She contributes her insights as a media commentator on matters related to ethics and whistleblowing, and she adeptly moderates discussions. Her expertise extends to being an author of articles on business and military ethics. Notably, she has authored The Whistleblowing Non-retaliation Toolkit, Whistleblowing First Responder Guide, along with the Whistleblowing Management Handbook. She has also co-authored the Ethics and Compliance Handbook, as well as the Institutionalising Ethics Handbook.
In terms of her affiliations, Liezl actively participates on the Council of the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and is chairperson of its Governance and Ethics Committee. She holds a membership on the Inaugural Committee of the International Society of Military Ethics for Africa (Afro-ISME), the South African Institute of Chartered Accountants (SAICA) Ethics Committee and is a valued member of the Advisory Boards for BEN-Africa and Visslan, a whistleblowing service provider based in Sweden. Her dedication to research is evident as she serves as a research associate at the Stellenbosch University’s Philosophy Department. On a global scale, Dr. Groenewald represented South Africa in the global technical working groups responsible for ISO 37000, the ISO Standard for the Governance of Organisations, as well as ISO 37002, the ISO Whistleblowing Management Standard. Her multifaceted involvement showcases her deep commitment to advancing ethical practices within organisations and across industries.
Prof. Leon van Vuuren
Executive Director: Organisational Ethics
Prof. Leon van Vuuren currently holds the position of Executive Director: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Prior to joining TEI in July 2014, he held the position of professor in Industrial Psychology at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) for 28 years, where he taught industrial psychology and business and professional ethics. Additionally, he holds the roles of Adjunct Professor in Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town (UCT) and Extraordinary Professor in Industrial Psychology at Stellenbosch University (SU).
He served two five-year terms on the Professional Board for Psychology of the HPCSA (2010 – 2020) and is a member of the Social and Ethics Committee of Abraham Kriel-Bambanani Children’s Homes.
Leon has contributed significantly to scholarly literature with numerous articles published in both international and national journals. He is the co-author of “Business Ethics” (6th ed., 2017) and has edited several handbooks. He was the founding editor of the African Journal of Business Ethics. At TEI, he focus lies on ethical leadership development, the governance and management of ethics, and organisational ethical culture change.
Kris Dobie
Senior Manager: Organisational Ethics
Kris Dobie is Senior Manager: Organisational Ethics at The Ethics Institute (TEI), based in Pretoria, South Africa.
His involvement in organisational ethics started in 2004, and he has developed a special interest in corruption prevention. Over the years he has supported the South African Government with numerous policy projects, including the development of the Minimum Anti-Corruption Capacity Guidance and the 2016 South African Local Government Anti-Corruption Strategy. He has initiated and led a number of funded initiatives, including the Local Government Ethical Leadership Initiative (LGELI) and the Ethically Aware Supplier Induction Programme (EASI).
Kris is the lead researcher on the South African Citizens’ Bribery Survey, as well as the Public Sector Ethics Survey, and he co-authored the TEI Ethics Reporting and Auditing Handbook. He served on the Global Reporting Initiative’s anti-corruption working group for the review of the ethics and anti-corruption reporting guidelines for the GRI’s G4 reporting standard. He also served on the National Anti-Corruption Strategy Reference Group which was tasked with finalising the 2020 South African National Anti-Corruption Strategy.
He holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Pretoria, as well as MPhil in Workplace Ethics (Cum Laude) from the same institution.
Jovita Matos Fazenda
Ethics Subject Matter Expert and International Bureau
Jovita is an Ethics Subject Matter Expert and heads up the International Bureau at The Ethics Institute with a Masters in Anticorruption Studies from the International Academy of Anticorruption (IACA), and a Certified Ethics Officer. She serves as a BEN-AFRICA Advisory Board Member and an Associate and Supporter of the Coalition for Organizational Integrity in Mozambique. Jovita is a trained lawyer with an LLB Degree and over 20 years of experience in various legal functions.
She has been an active associate and contributor to the Ethics Institute for the past 8 years, focused on the implementation of the Siemens Integrity Initiative project in Mozambique. A passionate ethics trainer and speaker on ethics, culture, values, and ethics risk management, with experience in designing, implementing, monitoring, and evaluating corporate ethics programs. She has hands-on experience in risk management, particularly in managing ethics and compliance risk, and implementing ethics and corporate governance programs.
“I believe that ethics and values are the basis of any lasting relationship, be it social or business.”
Ethics are at the centre of any sustainability conversation. Only through balancing our interests with those of others and the greater good can we find the equilibrium to build lasting environments and relationships.
Lizette Hattingh
Senior Associate Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Lizette Hattingh is a Senior Associate Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute. She has more than 30 years of experience in the full range of HR management functions, talent management, as well as organisational development. She started her career in the financial sector and has led various projects on leadership development, talent management, psychometric assessments, assessment centres, as well as training and development. During the time that Lizette was a senior consultant in the Leadership Development Unit of a well-known Management Consulting Firm (2002 – 2007), she used her skills and knowledge to administer and interpret different types of leadership assessments, designed and managed leadership development programmes, and assisted in developing strategies for talent management.
Lizette joined The Ethics Institute in 2013 as an associate. Her current role includes project management and ethics management interventions such as Ethics Risk and Opportunity Assessments and ethics training. She has consulted with various organisations across industries in both the private sector and state-owned enterprises. Lizette holds a BA from the University of Orange Free State (1983), a BA Honours (Psychology) from UOFS (1984), and an M.Phil Personal & Professional Leadership (cum laude) from the University of Johannesburg (2001). She is registered as a Psychometrist with HPCSA and was certified as an Ethics Officer by the University of Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and The Ethics Institute.
Palesa Mashabane
Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Palesa Mashabane is an Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute (TEI). She holds a Bachelor of Social Science Degree (Social Work & Psychology) from the University of Cape Town and a Postgraduate Diploma in Compliance Management (Cum Laude) from the University of Johannesburg. She has completed a Middle Management Development Programme for Women with GIBS, as well as a Certificate in Business Management from the University of South Africa. Palesa is a Certified Ethics Officer through the Stellenbosch Business School (SBS) and TEI.
Her journey with TEI commenced after her tenure of over 10 years at the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA), where she dedicated her primary years to promoting corporate governance practices and ethics management across the Bank’s holistic ecosystem. During this period, her fervent passion for shaping and contributing meaningfully to an ethical society was fortified. She achieved this by nurturing responsible corporate citizens at every tier of the Bank, with the understanding that their influence would extend both within and beyond the confines of the DBSA.
Prior to her role at the DBSA, she served at Africa’s largest pension fund – the Government Employees Pension Fund (GEPF)’s administrative office, now known as the Government Pensions Administration Agency (GPAA). In this capacity, she cultivated her empathetic and client-centric approach while serving in the Client Relationship Management domain. Preceding this, she gained experience within the mining sector, working for prominent entities such as Aquarius Platinum and Xstrata Alloys, which has since transformed into Glencore (Lion Smelter).
Fatima Rawat
Senior Ethics Subject Matter Expert
Fatima Rawat holds the position of Senior Ethics Subject Matter Expert at The Ethics Institute, where she is an integral part of the Public Sector Team. With over two decades of experience, Fatima is an admitted attorney who has dedicated her career to supporting and advising the public sector. Her expertise spans Corporate Governance, Ethics Management, Legal Affairs, and Human Resources.
In addition to her consulting role, Fatima is actively involved in training and facilitating discussions on organisational ethics. She plays a crucial role in various educational programmes, including The Ethics Institute’s Ethics Officer Certification Programme, the University of Johannesburg’s Corporate Governance Programme, and the IODSA’s Governance of Ethics and Social & Ethics Committee Programmes.
Fatima is a member of professional committees such as the IODSA’s Social and Ethics Committee Forum and SAICA’s Ethics Committee. Her contributions extend beyond consultancy and training as she has co-authored significant publications like the Ethics Ambassador Handbook and the Local Government Ethics Committee Handbook.
Prof. Deon Rossouw
Governance Associate
Prof Deon Rossouw previously served as the CEO of The Ethics Institute (based in Pretoria) and currently holds the position of governance associate. He is an Extraordinary Professor in Philosophy at the University of Stellenbosch, and Chairperson of the International Banknote Ethics Initiative.
Deon studied at Stellenbosch University where he also was chairman of the student representative council. His academic career started at Rand Afrikaans University in Johannesburg where he became Professor and Head of the Philosophy Department and served on the Executive Committee of the University. In 2004, he moved to the University of Pretoria where he was Head of the Philosophy Department and Director of the Centre for Business and Professional Ethics. During 2008 to 2009, he spent a year as Program Executive for Business Ethics at the Globethics.net Foundation in Geneva, Switzerland.
Deon is an internationally recognized expert in Business Ethics and the Ethics of Corporate Governance, and published several books as well as academic articles in leading international journals.
He was the Founding President of the Business Ethics Network of Africa (BEN-Africa) and served as President of the International Society of Business, Economics and Ethics (ISBEE).
Deon is a member of the King Committee for Corporate Governance in South Africa. He also chairs the Social and Ethics Committee Forum of the IoDSA.
He has been recognized as a Chartered Director by the Institute of Directors of South Africa, and serve in executive and non-executive positions on a number of governing bodies.
Corporate Support Services
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Dinah Mafahlane
Housekeeper
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Corisa Walter
Accountant
B.Compt Accounting
Ethics Officer 1013
Remofiloe Kale
Executive Office Manager, Assistant to CEO
Remofiloe Kale joined The Ethics Institute in 2016 and presently serves as the Office Manager. Holding a diploma in Office Management and currently pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration, she is a dedicated professional with extensive management experience. Passionate about helping people, she sees the office manager role as vital to the smooth functioning of any organisation. In this position, she focuses on achieving positive results and devising innovative strategies to meet set goals.
Remofiloe is currently working on acquiring advanced Human Resource Specialist skills, with the aim to enhance performance and motivation among colleagues. Remofiloe is a people’s person and appreciates the inherent connection-building aspect of her field, which allows for positive interactions with others. This genuine interest in people aligns with the broader mission of The Ethics Institute, contributing to a cohesive and effective organisational environment.
Dinah Mafahlane
Housekeeper
Siphiwayinkosi Mdluli
Organisational Ethics Practitioner
Siphiwayinkosi Mdluli is currently an Organisational Ethics Practitioner at The Ethics Institute (TEI). He holds a Master of Management in Governance from the University of the Witwatersrand.
In his role, he supports TEI staff in various capacities, including research, project management, facilitating training for junior and mid-level employees, conducting interviews, writing articles, and providing administrative support. He is also a Certified Ethics Officer with the Institute.
Rebecca Motale
Front-office Manager
Rebecca joined The Ethics Institute in 2007 and currently holds the role of Front-Office Manager. Drawing upon her background in Office Administration, she brings a wealth of experience to TEI, offering support to senior managers. The cultivation of effective communication skills is a key aspect of her role, underscoring its invaluable importance for administrative assistants. The joy Rebecca finds as an admin assistant lies in being at the hub of activity, always informed about the ongoings in the office. This positions her to contribute to the seamless execution of significant events and projects, reflecting her belief in finding “meaning and joy in what we do.”
In addition to her professional pursuits, Rebecca is actively engaged in studying one of the 12 official languages, namely SASL (South African Sign Language). She finds learning sign language to be both enjoyable and fascinating. Beyond its inherent appeal, sign language serves as a crucial means of communication for many in the deaf community, fostering connections and relationships. Rebecca is passionate about the idea that a more inclusive society can emerge when more people are proficient in sign language. An intriguing aspect of sign language is its ability to facilitate communication without causing disruption, offering a unique and valuable method of interaction.
Kgothatso Tshabalala
Training and Events Coordinator
Kgothatso Tshabalala is a professional with a background in communication and extensive experience in event coordination and training management. Currently serving as a Training and Events Coordinator at The Ethics Institute, she plays a pivotal role in designing training programmes, managing event logistics, and ensuring the smooth execution of both open and in-house training sessions.
Kgothatso is a Certified Ethics Officer and holds a Training and Development Management Certificate from the University of Cape Town. Holds a BA in Communication from the University of South Africa and is pursuing a Post Graduate Diploma in Communication Management at the University of Pretoria.
Corisa Walter
Accountant
Governance and Communications
Dantia Richards
Governance and Communications Executive
Dantia Richards joined TEI in September 2012 and currently holds the position of Governance and Communications Executive at the Institute. She boasts extensive executive management experience in the private sector, complemented by a wealth of operational management experience in the public sector, non-profit sector, and private consulting.
For the past seven years, Dantia has effectively served as the Company Secretary for TEI’s esteemed Board of Directors. Moreover, she is a highly valued member of the Institute’s executive management committee. This committee plays a vital role as the central decision-making and oversight body, responsible for shaping the organisation’s strategic direction, policies, and operations.
Dantia is not only a certified Ethics Officer but also a Certified Director recognised by the Institute of Directors of South Africa. In addition, she holds the position of the appointed Information Officer for the Institute.
Narisscia Campher
Communications Portfolio Manager
Narisscia Campher is a communications professional dedicated to leveraging her knowledge, creativity, and skills to amplify the voices of non-profit organisations. She completed her Master of Philosophy in Strategic Communication Management at the University of Pretoria in 2021, earning recognition with the Postgraduate Masters Coursework Performance Bursary. Joining the esteemed Golden Key International Honour Society in 2022 further underscores her commitment to excellence in academia and beyond. Narisscia upholds a strong work ethic and firmly believes in ongoing education to enhance her abilities.
She finds great satisfaction in crafting written content, refining materials, and developing strategies that facilitate transformative messages and create a meaningful impact. Currently, she holds the position of Communications Portfolio Manager at The Ethics Institute (TEI) and serves as a Communication Specialist at The Whistleblower House.
Throughout her career, Narisscia has demonstrated a strong commitment to excellence in communication management, implementing strategies to enhance organisational reputation and stakeholder engagement. Her journey is defined by a passion for effective communication, a dedication to professional growth, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact in every role she undertakes.
Projects and Funding
Celia Lourens
Chief Projects and Funding Officer
Celia holds a National Diploma in Marketing, a Bachelor’s in Commerce in Business Management, and an Honours degree in Business Management from the University of South Africa. In 2023, she graduated with a Master of Commerce degree in Organisational Strategy and Business Ethics from the University of Pretoria. Celia has extensive international experience in the strategic integration of marketing, communications, project management, and fundraising. She manages funded initiatives for TEI and oversees high-level sponsor relationships. Additionally, Celia serves on the executive committee of the Business Ethics Network – Africa.
Bella Mkhabela
Project Facilitator
Bella is a Project Facilitator at The Ethics Institute (TEI), where she plays a key role in coordinating and administering funded projects and fundraising initiatives. As the newest member of the TEI team, she brings fresh energy to event planning, partner liaison, and project implementation. Bella holds a BA Honours in Public Management and Governance, equipping her with a solid foundation in public sector management, which she leverages to support the institution’s mission of promoting ethical leadership and governance.
Research Bureau
Dr Paul Vorster
Head of Research Bureau
Dr Paul Vorster is an accomplished Industrial Organisational Psychologist who has dedicated his career to training and development programmes and research that promote ethical decision-making and conduct in the workplace.
He earned his Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial-Organisational Psychology from the University of Johannesburg with his primary topic involving the psychometric measurement of personality. Additionally, he obtained an Ethics Officer Certification from the University of Stellenbosch Business School (USB) and The Ethics Institute. He has also consulted with the United Nations funded International Anti-Corruption Academy and is also a member of the International Test Commission which evaluates psychometric validity of survey measurement techniques (psychometrics).
With over 11 years of experience in training and development, and psychometric measurement, Dr Vorster has expertise in a range of content areas. He has facilitated programmes in leadership profiling, ethics and business ethics, ethical culture and climate, ethical decision-making, behavioural ethics (combating social forces that may undermine ethical decision-making), ethics ambassador training, resolving ethical dilemmas and challenges, and professional ethics. He has also made a substantial impact in the measurement of ethical culture and climate and is one of the custodians of the Ethics Ambassador Programme. Dr Vorster has written the Ethical Culture Handbook as well as the Ethics Ambassadors’ Handbook both of which try to help organisations to improve and understand their ethical culture. In addition, he has also been the custodian of the South African Business Ethics Survey as well as the Social and Ethics Committee Trends Survey both of which illuminate the state of the governance of ethics, ethics management, and ethical culture in organisations across South Africa. Dr Vorster’s efforts have had a significant impact, and he is credited with the development of the Ethics@theMovies concept, which has been implemented in South Africa since 2013. He is also credited with assisting organisations to engage in behavioural ethics programmes helping them to improve their ethical culture maturity.
Dr Vorster is a respected thought leader and has been invited to speak at various events. He has shared his insights at conferences, workshops, and webinars. He has also been a guest on several TV and radio shows, where he has discussed the importance of promoting ethical decision-making in the workplace.
Annie Ou-Yang
Research Specialist
Annie Ou-Yang is a Researcher at The Ethics Institute (TEI). Annie first joined TEI as an industrial psychology intern after completing her Master of Industrial and Organisational Psychology at the University of Cape Town. Currently, she is a registered industrial psychologist with HPCSA and a certified Ethics Officer with TEI. Her role has been analysing and compiling ethics risk assessment reports whilst testing the reliability and validity of TEI’s survey instruments. In addition, she has worked on the South African Business Ethics Survey and the Social and Ethics Committee Trends Survey.