It is with some nerves and a great deal of excitement that I write my first letter as editor of The Project Manager since I took over from Greg Penfold.

Albeit short, it has been an interesting journey so far, having met some key players in the South African world of project management who are, of course, a distinct readership of our magazine, but also serve as invaluable consultants and contributors. Without these players, this magazine would be of very little value; and it is only with your support and guidance that it can fulfil its intended purpose.

Our leading story by Garreth Bloor looks at various projects taken on by the City of Cape Town – often driven and sometimes spearheaded by business associations such as the Cape Town Partnership, with which the City works to meet delivery targets.

The government often lacks the capacity to mobilise into a delivery agency, and it is through these cross-sector partnerships that development can be fast-tracked.

And what a great time, after Cape Town has just been named the World Design Capital for 2014, and its glorious mountain one of the New7Wonders of Nature.

Another instalment in our December issue of The Project Manager sees director of Projman cc Louise Worsley meet with project managers in Cape Town to discuss the dilemmas faced while delivering informal housing projects. Here, the emphasis is on stakeholder management, and the need to recognise the necessity for a reception strategy focusing on the delivery of social development outcomes.

Elsewhere Elmar Roberg talks project management philosophy, which gets us thinking about how we, as humans, are the only agents of change and need to learn from our mistakes if we are to be better project (and life) managers.

Well, that’s it from me until the new year.

Simon Capstick-Dale

Editor's note