Falling down the ethics precipice?

“Higher education has an unmatched obligation, which has not been adequately fulfilled, to help lay the foundations of a critical civil society, with a culture of public debate and tolerance which accommodates differences and competing interests. It has much more to do, both within its own institutions and in its influence on the broader community, to strengthen the democratic ethos, the sense of common citizenship and commitment to a common good.”  Prof Mandla Makhanya, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Unisa, was speaking during the Ethical Leadership Critical Thinking Forum held at the university on 29 June 2016.

The Critical Thinking Forum is an initiative of the Mail and Guardian in partnership with Unisa and is aimed at providing a platform to discuss pertinent issues. The vexing questions which panellists were tasked to unpack on this occasion were Has South Africa generally lost its moral compass? and Can the country can be saved from falling down the ethics precipice or is the concept of ethics an illusion?

Referring to the culture of looting and the arrogant display of wealth by leaders across all sectors of society, Father Smangaliso Mkhatshwa, former Executive Mayor of the City of Tshwane and Chairperson of the Moral Regeneration Movement, warned that crass materialism is the biggest threat and is eating away moral values.  He said the consumption of materialism set a bad example to young people. He said materialism has taken root and the current crop of leaders have replaced the principle of struggle and ubuntu with materialistic accumulations.

Rabbi Gideon Pogrund, a business ethics specialist, said South Africa was at a crossroads. He said the country lacked ethical leadership. He argued that unethical conduct was like a virus that spread, infecting everyone. He called upon South African citizens to rise against unethical leadership.  He said many South Africans had withdrawn from issues that affect them. He warned that this would have detrimental effects.

Janine Hills, Founder and Chief Executive of Vuma Reputation Management, said South Africans are very pessimistic. She argued many people abroad are interested in South Africa and the country should not allow negative coverage to sway their patriotism. Hills believes South Africa is better compared to many countries.

Terry Booysen, Chief Executive of Corporate Governance Framework, believes South Africans are doing well but their efforts are far less than what is required. He said to have ethical leadership would require a common vision about the future of the country.