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M A G E Z AM A G E Z AM A G E Z ACE NT RE OF EX C E L L E NC EforProject(Pty) Ltd

Projects in a PoliticalContext

07 August 2014

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

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Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Viva Mondli Mbambo• Passion driven individual• Work platforms

• Mageza Project Management (2006)• Mageza Centre of Excellence for Projects (2012)• Worked for eThekwini Municipality (1999-2008)

• Consulting Project Manager• Project Management competency-builder

• Varsity College (Business School)• University of KwaZulu-Natal (Extended Learning)• Durban University of Technology (Business Studies Unit)• Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (Business Development Unit)

• Professional Member of PMSA and a Member of PMI• Project ZN

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

• Share with you how political context influence projects• The focus is more on the Public Sector

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Why this topic?

• We are all political beings

• All projects have sponsors/ initiators

• We are not managing projects, BUT we manage politics throughprojects

• THUS projects are managed in a political context – especially in thepublic sector

Politics Defined• Politics is the study or practice of the distribution of power and

resources within a given community as well as the interrelationship(s)between communities

• A political system is a framework which defines acceptable politicalmethods within a given society

• Political context refers to the disposition of decision-makerssurrounding an event or idea. The context reflects the environment inwhich something is produced indicating it's purpose or agenda

Source: Wikipedia

“By 2010, when South Africa hosts the Soccer World Cup, allhouseholds will have access to clean running water and decentsanitation”.

• This is apoliticalstatement!

• How does it relate to projects?

African National Congress Election Manifesto, 2006.

“By 2010, when South Africa hosts the Soccer World Cup, allhouseholds will have access to clean running water and decentsanitation”.

• This is apoliticalstatement!

• How does it relate to projects?

African National Congress Election Manifesto, 2006.

Are we there?

Nationally, about 1.4 million households don’thave access to a sanitation service

Source: Department of Water Affairs,Reportonthe Status ofsanitationservices inSouthAfrica(2012)

KwaZulu-Natal

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

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Projects in Nkandla derailed

• Projects are not immune of:

• Party politics

• Initiation to score political points

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Political power and allegiance paradox

“This is South Africa. People havevoted for us.”

“This is Western Cape.People have voted for us.”

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Managing project ‘politically’• Always keep the project goal front and centre

• Never let emotions come into play and always respond to situations — notindividuals

• Even when dealing with negative politics, try to seek out a positive lesson

• Politics can’t be avoided• Manage the project in the present and think to the future

Managing project ‘politically’…• Use the sponsor or champion to navigate and solve difficult project issues

• Managing project politics is synonymous with managing relationships

• Observe shadow organisation• Create a mental map on who is leading the way (not just driving the bus)

• Think before you speak or act• Keep it positive• Even if people are commenting on you, hold steady and keep smiling

Scope of PresentationIntroduction

Purpose of today’s presentation

Why this topic?

Case Study

Political power and allegiance paradox

How should Project Managers deal with Politics

Conclusion

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

• Projects should ALWAYS be aligned to governing/ Political Partiesmanifestos

• As project managers, we have a role to understand these manifestoso that we can be ‘relevant’

• Be mindful: other political principals forget about what they promisedthe electorate

QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS