Behold The Turtle

"Behold the turtle – he only makes progress when his neck is stuck out."

This proverb, included in Bonang F. 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. Following on from the success of his first book, his new book, Behold the Turtle – Thoughts on Ethically Principled Leadership, 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.

Citing Alexander the Great, Bonang says, ‘I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.’

This book focuses on ethical leadership and embracing our own agency.