THE FACTORS INFLUENCING THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN ARMY’S VISION 2045
Date
2024-12
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Publisher
Stellenbosch University
Abstract
The operationalisation of strategy is often neglected due to the absence of planning and monitoring of strategy implementation and the progress mostly being behind schedule. So far lacking in the literature, the operationalisation of strategy requires a systematic and theoretical analysis. The aim of this research study was to capture the process and progress of the implementation of SA Army Vision 2045 from an academic perspective to add to the body of knowledge on strategy implementation in the armed forces. The study focused on opportunities and challenges regarding the operationalisation of the SA Army Vision 2045 by investigating the enabling and constraining factors contributing to the implementation of the strategy. The validity and suitability of the SA Army Vision 2045 as a strategy was not questioned nor investigated. Primary themes that emerged from the literature review were the complexity of military strategy in the 21st century, the concept of human security, defence transformation, and the defence dilemma. The research conducted explored how these concepts influenced the implementation of SA Army Vision 2045. The complexity of military strategy in the 21st century was addressed by looking into the approach to strategy implementation in the military and exploring the factors affecting strategy implementation in general. An exploration of the concept of human security demonstrated how it adds to the complexity of military strategy in the 21st century, highlighting adherence to democracy, good governance and the rule of law in a multilateral approach. With regard to defence transformation, three challenges were identified, namely the difference in planning horizons between national security and policy lag, problems with the role of the armed forces in decision-making, and the fixation on narrow theoretical constructs. Finally, the study illuminated how the contradictions that exist between military defence and national security give rise to the defence dilemma as a factor of strategy implementation.
Description
Thesis (MMil)--Stellenbosch University, 2024.