Relationship between Entrepreneurship and Politics

In our last two articles, we looked at the subject of visionary leadership and its relationship with entrepreneurship. In this and a few articles in the coming weeks, we turn our attention to the subject of politics and business – especially how entrepreneurs should threat politics.

Before we examine this subject, we need to first define these terms. What is politics? What is entrepreneurship? Well, politics involves the activities associated with the governance of a country or area and the debate between the parties who hold power. It can be defined as the activities, actions, and policies that are used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence a government. It is the process of making decisions that apply to members of a group. It refers to achieving and exercising positions of governance. It is organised control over a human community and more particularly, a state. Furthermore, politics is the study or practise of the distribution of power and resources within a given community. This is usually a hierarchically organised population and includes the interrelationship(s) between communities.

Well, what does all this mean? My own simple definition of politics is as follows. It is a system of gaining and maintaining power to govern a nation, city or town. Here political parties are tools used to mobilise and gain power. Such power is then used to govern or rule the nation.

As an entrepreneur, you operate within a system, including a political system. Therefore, I draw the following recommendation:

An entrepreneur must be politically aware. This does not mean being politically active or aligned. All entrepreneurs must be politically aware of where things are and even see where things are going politically. An entrepreneur who becomes politically active and aligned is risking the future survival of his business. Why? Political parties and politicians come and go. You do not want your business to thrive for a short while, whilst certain politicians are in power. You don’t want your business to die when the lifespan or even term of a particular political party or politician then comes to an end.

This means entrepreneurs must play their cards close to their chest. You cannot afford to be a political activist but you must be politically aware. I think entrepreneurs should handle politics in the same way that pastors do. Though you may have your own political bias, it is very risky to make that public. Why? Because changes happen in the political space.

There is a relationship between politics and business. Remember also that politics has a tremendous effect on the country’s economic conditions. The last thing you want as an entrepreneur is to see things when they happen and not before they happen. This means a good entrepreneur can predict the economic climate from events on the political level and is able to begin to align his or her business accordingly.

In order to help entrepreneurs of Tembisa to implement what we are learning via these articles, I have set up what I call the Joseph Achievers Mentoring (Jam) program. The program is based on Joseph in the Bible who rose to prominence despite his background. I am encouraging all Tembisa residents to join. This program is aimed at supporting all residents of Tembisa but it targets mainly entrepreneurs, young professionals, university students and high school learners. It offers a range of support initiatives including career guidance, training and mentoring. Many have enrolled in the program and receive business management training and mentoring. I challenge you to enrol for Jam in order to propel your life or your business to new heights. To register on Jam, send an email to dlalisa.rhi@gmail.com or call the numbers below. To learn more about all our activities, support programmes including Jam, visit us at RoyalHouse International Church (532 Entshonalanga Section, Tembisa. For more information, contact Pastor WTM Dlalisa on 083 395 1165