Ethics know no colour — it’s knowing just right from wrong
Like ethics, competency, too, has no skin colour, in fact, competency has no external identifier except itself
Are ethics “black” or “white”? No. Ethics are colour-blind. Illegal, illicit or unethical actions by anyone in the business community diminishes the credibility of the entire business sector in the eyes of the public. It is a pity that, judging by media debate, whether on radio, online or print media, one may conclude that ethical conduct is reserved for white people or white business executives. The ongoing public commissions have brought into sharp focus the unquestionable absence of ethical conduct; those standards and values needed as the foundation of our democracy — a sense of decency, a dose of discretion, an unobstructed view of right and wrong, an instinct about acceptable boundaries. Indeed, recent narratives, spurred in part by the current inquiry involving the Public Investment Corporation (PIC), could be construed with giving corruption a skin colour. And the colour is not white. For example, if one has to believe Magda Wierzycka’s opinion, Unknown entities thrive on in...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.