By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Behold the turtle – he only makes progress when his neck is stuck out.
This proverb, included in Bonang Mohale’s best-selling first book, Lift As You Rise, sets the tone for his second book, which includes fresh insights and wisdom from one of South Africa’s best-loved leaders.
As a change agent, defender of democracy and a social justice activist, Bonang continues to stick his own neck out, addressing issues of key societal importance. This book expands on issues of leadership, resilience, ethics and social justice – sounding a call for change.
Never one to avoid tough issues, Bonang tackles the role that business, institutions of higher learning and other organisations need to play in creating South Africa’s future, as well as the risk and responsibility required of each of us as individuals.
The book incorporates insights from Bonang’s respected colleagues, such as Mteto Nyati, Adrian Gore, Andile Nomlala, Vukani Mngxati and Nicola Kleyn, who add personal lessons and anecdotes, creating a pool of wisdom from which readers can drink deeply.
Bonang Mohale believes that leadership is not only topical right now – it is literally a matter of life and death. He implores every individual, organisation and the world as a whole to unite and work together to co-create a new and more equitable normal. There is no room for complacency.
‘Now, more than ever, dear reader, is the time for each of us to stick our necks out. It is the only way. Lift yourself and you can lift the world.’– Bonang F. Mohale.
About the Author:
Prof Bonang Mohale is the Chancellor of the University of the Free State, Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School (JBS) College of Business and Economics, Chairman of both Bidvest Group Limited and SBV Services, President of Business Unity South Africa, former CEO of Business Leadership South Africa (BLSA) and past President of the Black Management Forum.
Prior to joining BLSA, Prof Mohale was the Chairman of Shell Downstream South Africa (Pty) Limited, and Vice President of Shell Upstream.