The National Society of Black Engineers of South Africa (NSBE) was honoured to recognise Professor Bonang Mohale with a Lifetime Achievement Award, celebrating a distinguished career defined not only by professional accomplishment, but by leadership, service, mentorship and a commitment to uplifting others.
The award was presented by NSBE President Mduduzi (Mdu) Mlaba, recognising Prof. Mohale’s remarkable contribution to business, leadership, economic transformation and the development of future generations.
Prof. Mohale’s career spans some of South Africa’s most influential institutions. He serves as Chancellor of the University of the Free State and has held senior leadership and board positions across major organisations, including Bidvest and ArcelorMittal South Africa. He is also a former President of Business Unity South Africa and Professor of Practice at the Johannesburg Business School.
Yet, for NSBE, the significance of his achievement extends beyond the titles and positions he has held.
His leadership has consistently reflected the principle of lifting as you rise — developing people, sharing knowledge, mentoring emerging leaders and demonstrating that professional success carries a responsibility to contribute to society.
This aligns closely with NSBE’s own mission: to advance the participation and impact of Black engineers, while encouraging them to use their knowledge, skills and influence to contribute meaningfully to South Africa’s economic and social development.
Prof. Mohale therefore represents an important example of the kind of leadership NSBE seeks to inspire among engineers: leadership grounded in excellence, integrity, purpose and service.
The Lifetime Achievement Award is a recognition of a career that has made an enduring contribution to South African business and society — and of a leader whose influence continues through the people he mentors and the generations he inspires.
NSBE congratulates Professor Bonang Mohale on this well-deserved recognition and thanks him for the example he continues to set.
Leadership is not only measured by what we achieve, but by what we make possible for those who come after us.