SWOT – Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
Before a SWOT analysis is done a goal has to be set, so that the swot analysis can ascertain whether that specific goal is attainable or not.
With that in mind I went through a little mental exercise doing a quick SWOT analysis of the ANC government based on two different goals.
The strengths and weaknesses will obviously remain the same as it is one organization looked at but with two different possible goals in mind.
It is with opportunities and threats that things begin to change. How you identify either a threat or an opportunity depends on what the ultimate goal is, and that determines what you will foster and capitalize on and what you will attempt to neutralize and subvert.
Goal A:
Remain in power as long as possible for the specific goal of enabling the personal enrichment, advancement and benefit of individuals within the organization, regardless of long-term consequences and effects on the country and its population.
Strengths:
In power already
Large portion of the population’s support
Ideological advantage due to previous government’s unpopular and immoral apartheid legislation
Strategic, economic, infrastructure, mineral, population and skills assets to draw on
International sympathy
Weaknesses:
Can be voted out of power at any time
Opportunities:
Access to any and all public funds
Access to mechanisms to amend laws to own benefit
Emotional and moral high-ground due to previous government’s apartheid legislation
Race polarization due to largest percentage of population being previously disadvantaged
Low level of education of supporters
Threats:
Supporters becoming aware of personal gain being the main goal of staying in power
Public / Supporters becoming too educated and able to think rationally not emotionally
Racial harmony allowing population to concentrate on good governance instead of the “us against them” method of securing votes
Public access to government accounting practices, facts and figures
Public perception of government’s ability dealing with issues impacting directly on voters like crime, poverty, service delivery, health-care etc.
Goal B:
Remain in power as long as possible in order to ensure the best possible opportunities for growth, financial security, safety, education and stability for each and every South African citizen in particular and the country as a whole by managing resources, identifying threats, and dealing with issues in a free, fair and transparent manner reflecting the opinions and wishes of the voters.
Strengths:
In power already
Large portion of the population’s support
Ideological advantage due to previous government’s unpopular and immoral apartheid legislation
Strategic, economic, infrastructure, mineral, population and skills assets to draw on
International sympathy
Weaknesses:
Can be voted out of power at any time
Opportunities:
Access to a population – once united -of some of the most passionate, innovative, gifted and hard-working individuals on this planet
Mineral, strategic and environmental resources in a combination equal to or rivalling most other nations
International goodwill
Roads, communication, economic and health infrastructure in place with enormous potential once properly managed
Threats:
High crime rate
Low education level
Racial tension
Personal enrichment mentality among a high percentage of government officials
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