A thought-provoking new Op-ed by Dr Ntokozo Mahlangu, Strategic Board Advisor at The DaVinci Institute, was recently published in IOL, calling on South Africa’s leaders to rediscover the nation’s moral compass as the country prepares for the launch of King V, the next stage in corporate governance.
In his article, “Reclaiming SA’s moral leadership: Reflecting on King V and the boardroom’s role in shaping the future,” Dr Mahlangu considers how King V could mark a turning point for governance in South Africa, not as another checklist of rules, but as an invitation to place Ubuntu and moral imagination at the centre of leadership.
He notes that while governance frameworks have not always prevented scandals or the erosion of public trust, King V offers a chance to rebuild integrity by grounding leadership in human values and social responsibility. The inclusion of Ubuntu in the draft code reflects a distinctly South African approach, one that emphasises community, accountability, and empathy as essential elements of sustainable business practice.
Dr Mahlangu also points out that higher education has a crucial role to play in shaping how these principles are lived out. Universities and business schools do more than teach governance theory; they help develop the ethical habits and sense of purpose that future leaders will bring into the boardroom.
Ultimately, his piece reminds us that governance extends beyond policies and profit. It begins with people, with how we lead, how we decide, and how we hold ourselves accountable.
Read the full article on IOL: Reclaiming SA’s moral leadership: Reflecting on King V and the boardroom’s role in shaping the future
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