Risk management : a prerequisite for the implementation of government projects by the Eastern Cape Department of Local Government

This Research Report that this research was motivated by the fact that despite thetremendous achievements have been realized from the successful implementation ofgovernment programmes and projects related the construction and refurbishment of medical facilities, educational, bridges and road infrastructure facilities. Trends indicate that only iota of evidence implies that the concept of risk management is fully integrated and embraced as part of a culture for ensuring the successful project implementation by the Modern South African public sector organizations. Empirical research revealed that the common types of risks that have been affecting the successful implementation of government projects and programmes include: riots, fraud, corruption, changes in demographic figures, outsourcing risks, and floods and changes in weather. Most of the participants stated that risks associated with riots do not only arise from the riots within the government departments, but also in the external environment. In terms of the internal riots, they revealed that when the employees go on strike or riots on their own or in solidarity with the other trade unions, leading to the process for the implementation of government projects and programmes being affected. Yet, in certain cases, they noted that internal riots or strikes most occur as preceded by rumours that the riots by a particular union will take place and may significantly affect the ongoing process of implementation of government programmes. Besides risks associated with the internal riots by the employees and the communities, the interview findings also indicated that the other forms of risks arise from the strikes and riots by the private enterprises