Hard Truths: The GNU, Shell’s exit, corruption & ethics - Professor Bonang Mohale

South Africa urgently needs ethical leadership to heal a divided nation. That has been the call from business icon Professor Bonang Mohale, who is on an international list of the 100 most reputable Africans. In this interview with BizNews, Professor Mohale warns the new Government of National Unity (GNU) that leadership is “not an opportunity for enriching self”. He slams the lack of prosecutions of corrupt politicians and concludes “that there is no political will” and that “maybe, just maybe, the people who call themselves our leaders are accepting that stealing, cheating, bribery, State Capture is their form and definition of redistribution of wealth”. Asked about the Steinhoff scandal, he also slams big business for introducing corruption to local politicians as far back as former President Nelson Mandela’s release from prison. And, as a former Chairman of Shell - that is now disinvesting from South Africa - he describes how there was “absolutely no progress” on a multi-billion rand intiatiave “because of ideology that held us hostage”. Setting out the priorities for the GNU, Professor Mohale says: “Service delivery is the job description of these politicians.”
Video production by Frances Hamman
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[@roynewton-barker8910]

Excellent analysis of the South African political environment. He should be a primary consultant to the GNU!!!

[@jeannettehooper6775]

Well said Sir. If we had more leaders taking your values we would have a great nation.Still members in Gov have lined their pockets. Thank you so much Sir.

[@grahamleigh8398]

Great chat. Where is this man who needs to be on the governments backs all the time. Salute.

[@motsewaletsoso9642]

Thank you Prof Bonang Mohale . Well articulated ! Brilliant Prof.

[@martieschutte]

STOP ANY CORRUPTION - ONLY WAY FOR SOUTH AFRUCA - Prof. well said.

[@amandagaybba7912]

What an interesting talk. Truth sets free and righteousness prevails.. Thank you Sir. Bless you...🎉

[@louisvanderwalt4050]

Dankie Prof, brilliantly honest truth

[@ianharries9480]

Had the great pleasure of being a customer of Bonang in the early 90's ,when he still worked for OTIS, what an outstanding Gentleman, and he remained true to his ethics all the way to the top, I salute you Professor, ❤

[@mokonechannel2287]

Thanks professor Mohale my former schoolmate in Katlehong. I am glad we share the same idea of rebuilding our country.

[@sanetterobertson6085]

What a wise man. May political leaders listen to people like him.

[@firstcomment749]

It's sad, but competent, well rounded ppl like this wise man, is enemy no 1 to most egocentric politicians. SA business community is just as corrupt. The difference between ambition + greed is, a greedy person desires things theyre not prepared to work for. In the end - it became a snake biting into its own tail.

[@SidumoNgetu]

The presenter look like she's disappointed by the guest today😂

[@karinak9465]

@@SidumoNgetushe only likes the narcissist Neil de Beer - that’s why he is on so often. Still don’t understand why Biznews waste their time with someone like Neil

[@lindylambis4828]

What a wonderful gentleman. Great show.

[@lindylambis4828]

@DumaM-ir7rk You a bad loser 👎

[@user-lk6oj4bu1k]

An inspirational brave soul.. thank you for uplifting us all professor with your far sighted ethics.❤nameste’

[@user-wd4ro4yq4m]

Well said Professor, loved your input

[@derrickdupreez4209]

I am very proud of the formation of the GNU! That president CR had the courage to venture in sharing the governance of our diverse nation! I HOPE that every one of the 7th cabinet will work together and make our country proud and prosporous

[@reginaldgeorge3291]

If the government was serious about eradicating corruption and poverty why are men and women like this Prof. overlooked 😢

[@neilblunt1926]

A brilliant opening statement by him. They are called to serve, NOT to enrich themselves.

[@barbaraholzmann946]

Great respect for this man who has such broad knowledge and insight, however, as a white South Africa with 11 generation of South Africans before me, I was saddened to hear him refer to the DA as colonialists... no we are NOT - I am not a DA member, and would love to see unity amongst all peoples - The ANC did not hand it over - they lost the majority because of the corruption and mismanagement while they were in power for 30 years. When will we start to accept that we are ALL South Africans, one nation under GOD ALL wanting to pass on a prosperous and florishing legacy to the upccoming generation - GOD BLESS our beautiful country - land of our birth! Roughly 48% did not vote, which is an indication that they have no confidence in any of the parties... That 48% actually won the election. We need to put ALL our effort together to make our country safe and peaceful.

[@manfredhasewinkel8770]

The DA is most certainly NOT the former colonizer. If you say it often enough, maybe even God will believe it?

[@steveveld9244]

It is really time now for people to stop calling current day whites, colonialists. Let us rather not divide iyr nation, let every person do their best for each other, let the most qualified person for the job, do the job. With proper education and us all sharing our talents and knowledge, we all prosper. It's time now guys. Let's just do it.

[@musawenkosimakhoba9028]

One problem about this notion, if reperetions were not implemented to completion, the victims of colonialism remain victims to date. Hence it may be hard for them to accept that they are now not colonised. It pains me that the CODESA 2.0 that we just witnessed with the power being handed back to the grand children of the NP, there will be a further 30 years of a delay of preparation and an erasing of whatever transformation that took place in the previous decade or so. Then the cries about land that is not returned, systematic and neo-colonialism, the covert economic apartheid will remain a frustration for both Blacks and White of this country.

[@Tinker8531]

It does not help when you have racist remarks from whites. i was appalled at the racist remarks and absolute resentment coming off some Whites towards Gayton Mckenzie's appointment. You even have a musician Kiffnes whatever his name is, saying Gayton will steal this and that even though Gayton is far richer than him. It's a two way street this racism and division.

[@jimmycricket5366]

​@@musawenkosimakhoba9028I'm assuming you also believe that if you squeeze a stone like you squeeze an orange 🍊 then blood will drip out of it. Yes?

[@musawenkosimakhoba9028]

@@jimmycricket5366 some analogies don't fit certain contexts. So one ends up using a lot of words to say nothing.

[@jimmycricket5366]

@@musawenkosimakhoba9028 If you don't understand the nuances of the analogy that's not my fault bro.

[@corneliacoetz243]

Thank you Prof. Pointing out the truths of all this corruption, its a disgrace how the poor suffers and in 30 years it got worst with all the crime, illegal immigrants, murders, bad service delivery all over its disgusting!

[@user-bp1mw9gy3f]

This man should be part of the GNU ❤❤❤ our country is being lead by a greedy people

[@doreenmusson4891]

Hi Bonang. I saw your intellectual and activist leadership in the BMF in the nineties. Great to see you're still leading.

[@gwencharmaine192]

Chris thank you for a great and informative program, And your choice in choosing people who are so wise. Sir thank you for your insight, and I am amazed to see not just your humility, and love for your people, but your love for God.thank you .

[@timothymeyer8540]

Amen!! man says it like it is... come on ANC its time to change your ways or step aside and let those that want to see SA great do what needs to be done...

[@valeriemurray9903]

Amen to opening remarks by Prof. How can those who were corrupt turn around and become ethical? How to expunge this bad characteristic inherent in them. It starts at the top! Only God can change men's hearts, the fear if the Lird is the beginning of wisdom! Well expressed, Professor

[@normaday6289]

And they sit in the highest seats of the Cabinet and Parlement. When will this evil be stopped

[@reginaldstephen5078]

Spot on Prof thank you for the analysis.

[@pri-u9x]

You to direct Prof. Well said 👏 👌

[@abbeyndlovu1638]

Long live Prof Bonang Mohale!!!!

[@SharonKeune-zo1zi]

Wisdom at its best.

[@kevinlandey1518]

Agree with you Professor 100%.

[@leatherwise5509]

Why aren't people like this running our country. Very sad

[@neermalapillay8016]

Person like him anc will never listen to his concerns

[@gordonicus4637]

Will we as white people in this country never be able to put the colonialist label behind us? After nearly 500 years of history, are we not as much a part of this country as anyone? It saddens my heart to hear this great man dividing our country in these terms. 😔 Please can we put racial divides behind us and move forward towards a non-racial South Africa as was recently committed to by our President and all his cabinet ministers and MP's?

[@roeteroestof3896]

Think its in the DNA..meaning..in the hart brain and soul and that it will take longer than expected if ever? But GOD ALMIGHTY always be in CONTROL Amen

[@oliviad9571]

Yes I am amazed at the support for this interview when he has insulted a whole group in this country and then supports fracking in a simple word which would have enriched himself and destroyed our land.

[@Kgaugelo70]

I think Apartheid caused this...I mean our grandparents and parents went to war in Namibia against the "Evil Apartheid Boers"...still to this day I don't understand why your ancestors chose to be evil

[@gordonicus4637]

@@Kgaugelo70 Absolutely agree with you. However, you used the key word - "ancestors". Why paint the current generation with the same brush? Do black people really believe that the whites would return to Apartheid if they could? That's absurd! We have recognized the evil of that system and chosen against it. Why would we go back now? All I cry for is for the rift between black and white to be healed, so that we can really live in unity as the "Rainbow Nation". But if we keep regurgitating the past we will never get there...

[@Kgaugelo70]

@@gordonicus4637 get your point... black people might not believe that apartheid may come back, but they definitely believe that economic apartheid still lives on....we literally have the most unequal society and most unemployed youth in the world...I'm a capitalist but this is definitely a recipe for disaster waiting to explode in our faces...

[@charliepepper3039]

A refreshing narration of common sense by a man who certainly thinks for himself and doesn’t regurgitate the socialist diatribe of the politicians of our country. Very insightful.

[@bryantelford495]

Thanks Biznews for bringing on some new experts in the field.

[@mercialarkin6025]

May our leaders humble themselves and seek wisdom from God to govern our beloved country to bring prosperity for all, stability, order, safety and a raceless country where we are all equal. Learn from the past and build a better future today for our children and grandchildren.

[@nathitshabalala]

The first man to make me understand why Scorpions were closed down. 20 years later.

[@tanjaseymour4756]

Shocked and disheartened by his comment about handing our country back to our former oppressors. Disgusting. Can we please move forward towards an inclusive society and a better country for all.

[@tanjaseymour4756]

Refer to time 20:30 if you missed it.

[@user-xb2oh8yf2i]

Brilllllllliant. Thank you Professor. FORWARD is the only way, guided by international history 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@gugumatlaopane8563]

Wow Prof thank you for the honest and insightful analysis,,,,,listening to your input could not help it but cried. Thank you for your honesty, May izinyanya keep you protected 🙏

[@renategallagher5903]

Why is he not in cabinet? We need leaders with sense like this. Well spoken and educated. Thank you

[@TomorrowFarm13]

Wow Prof. I look forward top hearing more wisdom from you mKhulu. We need people like you in government or advising government. BizNewsm more of this wisdom please

[@renelans]

Sir you speak many truths, but remain obsessed with the wrong things. Your previous oppressors! Move on, for the sake of all in this country. We are ready to help and try make right the wrongs of the past. ❤

[@chejagger1]

Wow! Fantastic insights, thank you Prof

[@tinacarvalhoBodyandHealth]

Oh what a refreshing person! Pls dtay in play and reach the people in the muddle of decision!

[@benjaminlabuschagne9101]

So ! so ! so !!! spot on !!!! I salute you Sir !!!!! Thank you.

[@deondejager5338]

Well said!

[@veroniquedegroot8223]

Brilliant

[@troy1709-h5f]

You are a criminal from the moment when you commit a crime ... not when the judge find you guilty.

[@oreliocapazario826]

Power corrupts even the good intended

[@user-bq3zy3hn8d]

Well said Mr. Bonang hats out to you viva sa viva ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@moonchild7033]

What an interesting, enlightening discussion! I really enjoyed listening to Prof Mohale's measured and passionate opinions on these relevant issue concerning our country. Thank you!

[@rentiaboshoff9939]

Excellent!!

[@bluecouchpodcast24]

Shell didnt only leave South Africa..they also left Saudia Arabia and other countries..its not unique to South Africa. Also Shell should not be dictating our laws..BEE is going nowhere

[@MzansiUnfiltered]

I enjoyed this interview, heartbreaking account of the 5 year old boy who died after being shot after running to his father 😢 Since when is 30% an acceptable mark 30 years into democracy it should be unacceptable that poverty still has a black n feminine face 🥹 - professor Bonang Mohale

[@michaelbowes9894]

The very size of the cabinet, expanded to accommodate extra politicians, shows you whether the politicians have the county's interests or their own interests at heart.

[@roeteroestof3896]

100%

[@AIRview2]

What a breath of fresh air and reality! President material!

[@annaleppert6353]

Very truthful and powerful message. 👏🙏🙏🙏👍😴

[@RG-jr8ym]

It was lovely listening to him but where was he and people like him for the last 10/15 years. Why didn't they voice their opinions against the ANC in an aggressive manner, surely they could see what was happening to our country? Maybe these people were/are happy with their high paying jobs living in high end gated communities whilst the rest of us have to dodge bullets everyday to and from work...

[@voscowbinder9458]

He was always a vocal and fierce critic of corruption, leading the way as a leader of Shell and BUSA. And where were you when we were seeking insight and wisdom from him during that time?

[@RG-jr8ym]

@@voscowbinder9458 well he wasn't heard by anyone as Shell decided to walk out of SA..

[@voscowbinder9458]

@@RG-jr8ym The ANC only seems to respond to their own delusions and the allure of corruption. This is our unfortunate reality. However, if by visibility you mean running against the ANC alongside progressive figures like Thuli Madonsela and Mamphela Ramphele, then absolutely. That was a missed opportunity, especially in 2014. Otherwise, he has been tirelessly advocating for change.

[@voscowbinder9458]

@@RG-jr8ym I got you.

[@abbeyndlovu1638]

God's gift to South Africa. I rank him in the Archbishop Tutu's league. Madiba was corrupted and the flood gates opened. TRC NO PROSECUTION; ZONDO COMMISSION NO PROSECUTION; GENERAL LOOTING AND MANY OTHERS NO PROSECUTION. ZUMA AND BATHABILE ARE HONEST THIEVES, THEY CAN TELL BUT WILL NEVER DO SO. Watch this space for the Diminished Influence for ANC.

[@oliviad9571]

I doubt TUTU would sell out the other parties of the GNU as colonisers. TUTU cannot be compared to this man who in addition to insulting a whole part of this nation, supports fracking. So he would happily have our land destroyed too.

[@rockpoppets6182]

ANC have shown they don’t care about the people.

[@user-vr3bl9py7q]

South Africa needs smart minds of this calibre. Prof you're power within yourself. Wish you were lined up into SA leadership 😊

[@MrMboxology]

Amazing orator, story teller! Full of wisdom! Thank you ntate’Mohale

[@hermansplombaard9089]

as #PostANCatrocities continue... we #CryBelovedSouthAfricaCRY

[@1978donavan]

Wow, well put sir!

[@ilsemarx8094]

This dude should be president!!

[@bernardcox1030]

What a great interview with a very wise man... will the South African people ever wise up to the tragedy that is called the hierarchy of the ANC oligarch's?

[@chrissefate1297]

We have wise man still living amongst us.....his name is Mr Bonang Mohale

[@user-vi1uy7dy5e]

if DA former colonisers and ANC the corrupt what hope is there ...??? the last colonial expedition to south africa was 1820 the decendents are south african after 200 years.

[@dassieradebe3808]

Excellent words from the Professor

[@hephestosthalays2700]

This is awesome!

[@mistleyvanheerden4973]

What a wise man....

[@Scoops-g7j]

What a wise person...😊😅😮

[@marlak4253]

The host asks how can SA rebuild the economy while trying to meet "social needs". Her question seems to be how can they insure the continued high premium life styles of the "haves" while meeting the minimum needs of the majority "have nots". I appreciate the professor's answer that first there must be transformation that includes the majority in the economy. The idea of an arrangement that shares the wealth and sustains the country is an idea the "haves" just can't or won't fanthom. The majority must insist on sharing in the country's resources. As the professor said this requires an ethical administration, one whose goal is to build the nation, the people. I suggest beginning with at least a lot more public housing, and public utilities of water & electricity for all as a floor. A competent ethical administration with nation building in mind should be able to accomplish this. Profits will be necessarily less but this is the cost of sharing the nation's wealth to build the nation. These would bring a lot of stability, & so much more civilized and humane than massive police & buldging prisons.

[@user-tc4cs9ew8u]

Excellent analysis prof❤

[@njala3038]

Always love professor Bonang. 🙏

[@DuckieSir]

He well articulates the conundrum of ministerial appointment, this is an oozing wound that as a country we have to settle to. It's lucid that ministerial appointment is like an educational system that isn't matching the job market dynamics.

[@obySedgefieldgemofourgardenrou]

Our president promised rsa pit toilets are a thing of the past,has he reported back......

[@karinak9465]

He should be the Minister of Trade & Industry!!

[@innovruptly1769]

Ethics or Moral leadership? Ethics are a set of never ending rules. What the UN prescribes in their doctrines to promote their agendas, a rules-based society. A professional is someone in whose skills society holds in high regard. A professional is not by virtue of membership or association in a Professional Organisation. The Professional Organisations are gatekeepers often established to protect its members sometimes to the detriment of the public interest and judicial process.

[@juniormolefe3046]

Rand lords,the markets are happy with ramadollar and mantashing 😂lets see gnu towards 2026

[@vut_zarco]

6:53 Did not take him long to blame the private sector and business. Is the problem not a case of people in general that have been raised and taught not to steal and be ethical.

[@awfelia]

Bottom line..'Do unto others as u wld have them do unto u! ♡

[@ThabsiMthethwa-Z.]

Eloquently said Prof. 👏🏽

[@phelarephelemusicacademy8330]

Prof raises thought-provoking issues...💁🏾‍♀️🤗🤷🏽‍♂️🤔🤷🏾‍♀️

[@seanmac-ku5ui]

Corruption starts in the heart & minds & is fueled by greed & entitlement. It does not depend on colonial big business to awaken it if the person is of good moral standing.

[@lorrainenaidoo3017]

Prof. For President. Well said 👌👌disgrace A. N. C.

[@GPWentzel-dt5mo]

There is a lot of good points made, but I disagree with many statements - I am proud that fracking in the Karoo did not succeed, we cannot accept investment at the cost of everything. The fact that Shell left is the fault of bad business policies, but also because not 100% of the country is willing to 'sell out'. That to me is positive. I really must express sadness and distress in regards to the terms being used that with a government of National unity, Prof Mohale refers to it as a negative. The ANC has failed, but why is this new government seen as 'handing it back to the former oppressors'!? The sooner EACH AND EVERY SOUTH AFRICAN realise that we are a nation the better. There is only one way, succeed together or fail alone. The killing of that 5 year old boy is an absolute failure of government and SAPS. It left me so sad. HOWEVER, we are South AfriCANS and Mzanzi will succeed together despite our past!

[@sylvialandsberg1654]

Thank🎉 you Sir i wish you were our President.

[@obySedgefieldgemofourgardenrou]

However mean and angry the oxen are they must all obey the crack of the whip to get the overloaded cart moving to deliver the goods,so must these appointed officials work,they do us no favour they do their paid for duty,get to work,our people deserve so much better.

[@DuckieSir]

When he mentions the Mandela matter not sleeping in his house in soweto, am reminded of one politician who uttered in parliament that he was framed by one of his own to have filled his mind with the mindset of imperialist.

[@zenith8868]

Professor should be president 😤

[@rinapieterse3006]

Great respect.

[@renierchristiaan9348]

What former oppressors people are being currently oppressed. Were is all the Tax money for the past 60 years. Tax is theft. Every one involved will take accountability.

[@gerhardbekker7798]

Intelligent and insightful! -I do disagree with corruption blamed on business. According to what I have read the anc had a great time stealing funders' money whilst they were in exile....

[@nellysitshinga4535]

👌🤞thanks professor

[@melissasibindi7375]

In addition to his wisdom, Bonang is a very kind human being 😊

[@gerhardbekker7798]

Well said and insightfull

[@robbucher-kr3ve]

The Prof should also talk about the hard work, long hours,blood, sweat, tears and skill that it took to build up the companies and SOE'S that SA had in 94, they built from the ground up they weren't existing businesses that were taken away from someone, he should also acknowledge the current transformation that he and the government speak of always seems to be around what can be taken away from White's who have built companies and simply put them into black hands, everyone can see what the so called best of the best black business leaders have done to the SOE'S, their destruction is 100% transformation related

[@margotruthkerr1571]

❤❤❤

[@sookmadiq6875]

We had the tools to deal with Zuma in the form of the scorpions, however we allowed the monsters to disband them and replace them with the hawks who ultimately submit to the politicians, that opened the flood gates.