The Free Market Foundation, based in Bryanston, honoured the CEO of Business Leadership South Africa, Bonang Mohale with the 10th Luminary Award.
The Luminary Award is given to individuals in celebration of an outstanding contribution to the principles of economic freedom, and those who set an example for others.
Dr Ayanda Ntsaluba, the group executive director of Discovery Limited, said that Mohale has proven to be a beacon of hope and an inspiration to many.
The chairperson of the Luminary Award, Nic Frangos, said that the award highlights individuals who have made an incredible contribution in society and efforts toward freedom, and it is people like Mohale that people turn to in times of struggle.
When accepting his award, Mohale said that the legacy of apartheid is still visible in society, with many people struggling with unemployment, inadequate health care and public schooling. He said,
“We must do far better. We must force ourselves to move much more from a production and consumption narrative towards a more sharing and caring narrative. We must express a hope that the future-oriented dialogue of key stakeholders will create a community of shared interest and, ultimately, one of shared purpose.”
Mohale highlighted that businesses can no longer be on the periphery of development, but should deliver shared value, do no harm, make the world a better place and give the world ethical leadership.
“Business must do well by doing good because it cannot continue to be an island of prosperity in a sea of poverty. Broader societal issues of justice, fairness, equality and peace are at the core of the business and its desired outcomes,” said Mohale.
He concluded with the famous French saying ‘Liberté, Egalité and Fraternité’, which he believes should reflect in South Africa as well. “Liberty is our ‘long struggled for’ freedom – freedom of speech, association, and freedom from hunger. Equality of individuals and, in particular, ‘relational equality’. The most profound for me is fraternity or brotherhood – the notion that ‘we care about each other and one another’.”
Details: Free Market Foundation fmf@mweb.co.za
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