Mogoeng: The time for ethical leadership is now
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng says South Africa needs ethical leadership.
Mogoeng - who delivered the seminal Constitutional Court ruling on the Nkandla matter - addressed the Serious Social Investing Conference in Gauteng on Monday.
The court found President Jacob Zuma failed to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution by ignoring the Public Protector’s remedial action.
Mogoeng says ethical leadership leaves no room for corruption or the manipulation of politicians.
"Unethical leadership made South Africa look like it belongs to only some who live in it. We need ethical leadership. It about undertaking to heal the divisions of our past," he says.
His comments come amid mounting pressure from ANC veterans and civil society for Zuma to resign.
Mogoeng says racism also remains an issue in the country.
"If we do not deal with this, we are busy nurturing a time bomb. Racial divisions need to be addressed. You can't be trustworthy or fair and still practice racism. It is a betrayal," Mogoeng says.
He calls on citizens to do some introspection and ask themselves whether they are truly living according to the mandate of the Constitution.
The Chief Justice says all South Africans have a duty to eradicate racial discrimination.
He insists it doesn't help blaming government.
Mogoeng has called on businesses to focus on making a meaningful contribution to South Africa and change it for the better.
Edited by: Laila Majiet