Free SWOT Analysis Template: A Simple Playbook for SA NPOs & SMEs
Free SWOT Analysis Template: A Simple Playbook for SA NPOs & SMEs
Free SWOT Analysis Template: A Simple Playbook for SA NPOs & SMEs
03 Oct 2025
03 Oct 2025
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If you run a South African nonprofit or small business, you don’t need a marathon strategy offsite to get clarity. You need one focused conversation that surfaces what’s working, what isn’t, and the smart plays for the next quarter.
Introduction to the SWOT Analysis template
That’s what a SWOT analysis gives you—then TOWS turns the insights into action. This guide shows you how to run a tight 45-minute workshop, score and prioritise the list, and convert it into a one-page action plan. You’ll also get a copy-ready SWOT + TOWS template you can drop into Google Sheets.
Along the way, we’ll call out South Africa-specific nuances—like POPIA enforcement for direct marketing, B-BBEE thresholds for SMEs, and the ongoing electricity risk—so your outputs reflect the local operating environment.
Quick Takeaways
One hour is enough: 45 minutes to capture and score; 15 minutes to turn into TOWS plays.
Evidence beats opinion: add one line of data or proof to each item.
Prioritise hard: cap to five per quadrant, then choose three plays.
Mind SA realities: POPIA (marketing consent), B‑BBEE thresholds, and electricity risk belong in your external view.
Review quarterly: keep momentum with short monthly check‑ins.
Download this SWOT/TOWS template
Free SWOT/TOWS Google Sheets template for South Africa (NPOs & SMEs).
👉 Download the template
What Is SWOT Analysis (and When to Use It)?
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.
Strengths and weaknesses are internal (team, product, brand, cash, systems).
Opportunities and threats are external (market, regulation, technology, competition, electricity supply).
When to use it
Before funding rounds or donor pitches (to prove you understand your context).
During quarterly planning (to choose the 3–5 initiatives that actually move the needle).
After major shocks (policy changes, platform shifts, power disruptions).
What SWOT isn’t
It’s not a to‑do list. It’s a prioritised shortlist that feeds a TOWS matrix, which is where actions live.
How to Run a 45‑Minute SWOT Workshop
You can do this with a team of three to eight people on a video call or in a room with sticky notes. Keep the timer visible. Aim for quantity first, quality later.
Prep (inputs & people)
People
Facilitator (keeps time, clusters ideas, runs scoring).
Decision‑maker (signs off on top 3–5 plays).
1–2 people close to customers/beneficiaries (service, sales, field).
Finance/ops rep (cash flow, capacity, compliance).
Inputs
Last quarter’s KPIs (cash in bank, runway, revenue/donations, unit metrics).
Customer/beneficiary feedback highlights.
A quick compliance & context check for South Africa: POPIA for direct marketing, B‑BBEE thresholds for SME opportunities, NPO Act governance for nonprofits, and electricity reliability considerations.
Set the frame
“We’re here to find the top five realities shaping this quarter and turn them into three plays.”
Timing (10 minutes)
3 minutes: skim KPIs & context inputs
7 minutes: set definitions, clarify goals, assign roles
Scoring & prioritisation
Brainstorm (20 minutes total)
5 minutes per quadrant (S, W, O, T). Capture everything without debate. Use a board or sheet.
Prioritise (15 minutes)
Dot‑vote to shortlist (fast): give each participant five dots per quadrant; highest dot count wins.
Weight by Impact × Effort: put the top items on a 2×2 (High impact/Low effort = do now). If you prefer numbers, score Impact (1–5) and Effort (1–5) and calculate Priority = Impact − Effort.
One‑line evidence: ask, “What’s the proof?” (metric, customer quote, invoice trend, complaint log, uptime report). Items without evidence get downgraded.
Output of the 45 minutes
A shortlist of 3–5 S/W/O/T items with scores and one‑line evidence, ready for TOWS conversion. This step satisfies the “how to do a swot” search intent and sets you up to use the free swot template below.
From SWOT to TOWS (Turning Insight into Plays)
SWOT tells you what’s true. TOWS tells you what to do. The TOWS matrix pairs internal factors with external ones to generate SO, ST, WO, WT strategies:
SO (Strengths × Opportunities): Use strengths to capture opportunities.
ST (Strengths × Threats): Use strengths to counter threats.
WO (Weaknesses × Opportunities): Fix weaknesses to unlock opportunities.
WT (Weaknesses × Threats): Reduce weaknesses to avoid threats.
How to fill it (15 minutes)
For each Strength (S1, S2…) and Opportunity (O1, O2…), write one SO play (e.g., “S1 × O2 → Partner with two EME/QSE suppliers to fast‑track corporate procurement listings”).
For each Threat (T1, T2…), write one ST play (e.g., “S2 × T1 → Move our top three services to pre‑paid to reduce cash‑flow exposure during outages”).
For each Weakness (W1, W2…), write one WO/WT play (e.g., “W1 × O1 → Train two volunteers as WhatsApp hotline agents to cut response times”).
Now score each play on Impact and Effort and keep the top three.
Example: SA NPO vs SME SWOT Nuances
For NPOs
Strengths: community trust, volunteer base, low CAC via programmes.
Weaknesses: capacity gaps in M&E or finance; dependence on restricted funding.
Opportunities: corporate social investment streams; civic‑tech tools for reporting.
Threats: POPIA rules for direct marketing (consent, opt‑out, record‑keeping); funding concentration; electricity disruptions.
Governance tip: keep founding documents and board details up to date for the NPO Directorate.
For SMEs
Strengths: speed, owner‑led decisions, niche service quality.
Weaknesses: thin cash buffers; single‑supplier or single‑channel risk.
Opportunities: corporate supply chains that recognise EME/QSE status; digital payments adoption.
Threats: electricity reliability; input price volatility; regulatory shifts.
Why it matters: This swot for nonprofits vs swot for smes comparison helps you tailor the matrix to your operating model and South African context.
Download: SWOT + TOWS Template
Download SWOT/TOWS template
Open the ready-to-use SWOT/TOWS Sheet and paste the tables above.
👉 Download the template
SWOT Template
Category | Item (S1/W1/O1/T1) | Evidence/Data | Impact (1-5) | Effort (1-5) | Priority (Impact-Effort) | Owner | 90-day Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | S1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
Strengths | S2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
Weaknesses | W1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |||
Weaknesses | W2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Opportunities | O1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |||
Opportunities | O2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
Threats | T1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
Threats | T2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
TOWS Template
Play Type | Linked Factors | One-line Strategy | Impact (1-5) | Effort (1-5) | Priority | Owner | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SO | S1 × O1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
ST | S2 × T1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
WO | W1 × O2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |||
WT | W2 × T2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
How to use the SWOT and TOWS Template
Open Google Sheets → Blank.
Create two tabs: SWOT and TOWS.
Paste the CSV below into each tab (File → Import → Upload → “Replace data at selected cell”).
Share with your team; run the 45‑minute workshop; then TOWS.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Endless lists, no decisions. Fix: cap each quadrant to five items using dot‑voting, then move into TOWS.
Generic statements with no proof. Fix: add one line of evidence to each item (metric, quote, record).
No translation to action. Fix: always produce SO/ST/WO/WT plays and score them.
Ignoring compliance or policy. Fix: explicitly ask, “What changed in SA regulation this quarter?” (POPIA, B‑BBEE, etc.).
Skipping review. Fix: set a quarterly date to review the matrix and KPIs.
Next Steps: Quarterly Review & KPIs
Cadence
Month 0: Run the SWOT → TOWS; pick 3 plays.
Monthly: 30‑minute check: green/amber/red on each play.
Quarter‑end: Re‑run a mini‑SWOT (30 minutes), refresh TOWS, roll over what still matters.
KPIs to watch
NPOs: programme outcomes, cost per beneficiary, fundraising pipeline, donor retention, POPIA complaints.
SMEs: cash conversion cycle, debtor days, gross margin by product, digital payments share, hours mitigated during outages (inverters/solar uptime).
Make It Real: Run The 45-Minute SWOT Today
A SWOT analysis doesn’t have to be a sprawling document. Done right, it’s a focused conversation that captures the five realities that matter now—then a TOWS matrix turns those realities into three concrete plays for the next 90 days. Keep it light, keep it evidence‑based, and keep it local: factor in POPIA, B‑BBEE and the electricity context so your plan matches South African realities. Run it quarterly, and your NPO or SME will always know what to do next—not someday. Explore our other branding & communications resources to learn more about setting up your brand strategy!
Download the SWOT/TOWS template
Open the ready-to-use SWOT/TOWS Sheet and paste the tables above.
👉 Download the template
FAQs: SWOT Analysis in South Africa
1) What’s the difference between SWOT and TOWS?
SWOT identifies internal and external factors. TOWS turns those factors into SO/ST/WO/WT strategies—i.e., actions. (swot vs tows)
2) How often should we redo a SWOT?
Quarterly is a good rhythm. Re‑run sooner if the external environment shifts (e.g., material changes in electricity reliability or data‑protection enforcement).
3) Can a small team run a SWOT effectively?
Yes. A three‑person team can finish in 45 minutes using dot‑voting and an impact‑effort matrix to prioritise. (how to do a swot)
4) What data should inform a SWOT?
KPIs, customer/beneficiary feedback, budget/cash data, and relevant SA policies (POPIA, NPO Act, B‑BBEE thresholds) plus energy risks.
If you run a South African nonprofit or small business, you don’t need a marathon strategy offsite to get clarity. You need one focused conversation that surfaces what’s working, what isn’t, and the smart plays for the next quarter.
Introduction to the SWOT Analysis template
That’s what a SWOT analysis gives you—then TOWS turns the insights into action. This guide shows you how to run a tight 45-minute workshop, score and prioritise the list, and convert it into a one-page action plan. You’ll also get a copy-ready SWOT + TOWS template you can drop into Google Sheets.
Along the way, we’ll call out South Africa-specific nuances—like POPIA enforcement for direct marketing, B-BBEE thresholds for SMEs, and the ongoing electricity risk—so your outputs reflect the local operating environment.
Quick Takeaways
One hour is enough: 45 minutes to capture and score; 15 minutes to turn into TOWS plays.
Evidence beats opinion: add one line of data or proof to each item.
Prioritise hard: cap to five per quadrant, then choose three plays.
Mind SA realities: POPIA (marketing consent), B‑BBEE thresholds, and electricity risk belong in your external view.
Review quarterly: keep momentum with short monthly check‑ins.
Download this SWOT/TOWS template
Free SWOT/TOWS Google Sheets template for South Africa (NPOs & SMEs).
👉 Download the template
What Is SWOT Analysis (and When to Use It)?
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.
Strengths and weaknesses are internal (team, product, brand, cash, systems).
Opportunities and threats are external (market, regulation, technology, competition, electricity supply).
When to use it
Before funding rounds or donor pitches (to prove you understand your context).
During quarterly planning (to choose the 3–5 initiatives that actually move the needle).
After major shocks (policy changes, platform shifts, power disruptions).
What SWOT isn’t
It’s not a to‑do list. It’s a prioritised shortlist that feeds a TOWS matrix, which is where actions live.
How to Run a 45‑Minute SWOT Workshop
You can do this with a team of three to eight people on a video call or in a room with sticky notes. Keep the timer visible. Aim for quantity first, quality later.
Prep (inputs & people)
People
Facilitator (keeps time, clusters ideas, runs scoring).
Decision‑maker (signs off on top 3–5 plays).
1–2 people close to customers/beneficiaries (service, sales, field).
Finance/ops rep (cash flow, capacity, compliance).
Inputs
Last quarter’s KPIs (cash in bank, runway, revenue/donations, unit metrics).
Customer/beneficiary feedback highlights.
A quick compliance & context check for South Africa: POPIA for direct marketing, B‑BBEE thresholds for SME opportunities, NPO Act governance for nonprofits, and electricity reliability considerations.
Set the frame
“We’re here to find the top five realities shaping this quarter and turn them into three plays.”
Timing (10 minutes)
3 minutes: skim KPIs & context inputs
7 minutes: set definitions, clarify goals, assign roles
Scoring & prioritisation
Brainstorm (20 minutes total)
5 minutes per quadrant (S, W, O, T). Capture everything without debate. Use a board or sheet.
Prioritise (15 minutes)
Dot‑vote to shortlist (fast): give each participant five dots per quadrant; highest dot count wins.
Weight by Impact × Effort: put the top items on a 2×2 (High impact/Low effort = do now). If you prefer numbers, score Impact (1–5) and Effort (1–5) and calculate Priority = Impact − Effort.
One‑line evidence: ask, “What’s the proof?” (metric, customer quote, invoice trend, complaint log, uptime report). Items without evidence get downgraded.
Output of the 45 minutes
A shortlist of 3–5 S/W/O/T items with scores and one‑line evidence, ready for TOWS conversion. This step satisfies the “how to do a swot” search intent and sets you up to use the free swot template below.
From SWOT to TOWS (Turning Insight into Plays)
SWOT tells you what’s true. TOWS tells you what to do. The TOWS matrix pairs internal factors with external ones to generate SO, ST, WO, WT strategies:
SO (Strengths × Opportunities): Use strengths to capture opportunities.
ST (Strengths × Threats): Use strengths to counter threats.
WO (Weaknesses × Opportunities): Fix weaknesses to unlock opportunities.
WT (Weaknesses × Threats): Reduce weaknesses to avoid threats.
How to fill it (15 minutes)
For each Strength (S1, S2…) and Opportunity (O1, O2…), write one SO play (e.g., “S1 × O2 → Partner with two EME/QSE suppliers to fast‑track corporate procurement listings”).
For each Threat (T1, T2…), write one ST play (e.g., “S2 × T1 → Move our top three services to pre‑paid to reduce cash‑flow exposure during outages”).
For each Weakness (W1, W2…), write one WO/WT play (e.g., “W1 × O1 → Train two volunteers as WhatsApp hotline agents to cut response times”).
Now score each play on Impact and Effort and keep the top three.
Example: SA NPO vs SME SWOT Nuances
For NPOs
Strengths: community trust, volunteer base, low CAC via programmes.
Weaknesses: capacity gaps in M&E or finance; dependence on restricted funding.
Opportunities: corporate social investment streams; civic‑tech tools for reporting.
Threats: POPIA rules for direct marketing (consent, opt‑out, record‑keeping); funding concentration; electricity disruptions.
Governance tip: keep founding documents and board details up to date for the NPO Directorate.
For SMEs
Strengths: speed, owner‑led decisions, niche service quality.
Weaknesses: thin cash buffers; single‑supplier or single‑channel risk.
Opportunities: corporate supply chains that recognise EME/QSE status; digital payments adoption.
Threats: electricity reliability; input price volatility; regulatory shifts.
Why it matters: This swot for nonprofits vs swot for smes comparison helps you tailor the matrix to your operating model and South African context.
Download: SWOT + TOWS Template
Download SWOT/TOWS template
Open the ready-to-use SWOT/TOWS Sheet and paste the tables above.
👉 Download the template
SWOT Template
Category | Item (S1/W1/O1/T1) | Evidence/Data | Impact (1-5) | Effort (1-5) | Priority (Impact-Effort) | Owner | 90-day Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | S1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
Strengths | S2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
Weaknesses | W1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |||
Weaknesses | W2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Opportunities | O1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |||
Opportunities | O2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
Threats | T1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
Threats | T2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
TOWS Template
Play Type | Linked Factors | One-line Strategy | Impact (1-5) | Effort (1-5) | Priority | Owner | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SO | S1 × O1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
ST | S2 × T1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
WO | W1 × O2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |||
WT | W2 × T2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
How to use the SWOT and TOWS Template
Open Google Sheets → Blank.
Create two tabs: SWOT and TOWS.
Paste the CSV below into each tab (File → Import → Upload → “Replace data at selected cell”).
Share with your team; run the 45‑minute workshop; then TOWS.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Endless lists, no decisions. Fix: cap each quadrant to five items using dot‑voting, then move into TOWS.
Generic statements with no proof. Fix: add one line of evidence to each item (metric, quote, record).
No translation to action. Fix: always produce SO/ST/WO/WT plays and score them.
Ignoring compliance or policy. Fix: explicitly ask, “What changed in SA regulation this quarter?” (POPIA, B‑BBEE, etc.).
Skipping review. Fix: set a quarterly date to review the matrix and KPIs.
Next Steps: Quarterly Review & KPIs
Cadence
Month 0: Run the SWOT → TOWS; pick 3 plays.
Monthly: 30‑minute check: green/amber/red on each play.
Quarter‑end: Re‑run a mini‑SWOT (30 minutes), refresh TOWS, roll over what still matters.
KPIs to watch
NPOs: programme outcomes, cost per beneficiary, fundraising pipeline, donor retention, POPIA complaints.
SMEs: cash conversion cycle, debtor days, gross margin by product, digital payments share, hours mitigated during outages (inverters/solar uptime).
Make It Real: Run The 45-Minute SWOT Today
A SWOT analysis doesn’t have to be a sprawling document. Done right, it’s a focused conversation that captures the five realities that matter now—then a TOWS matrix turns those realities into three concrete plays for the next 90 days. Keep it light, keep it evidence‑based, and keep it local: factor in POPIA, B‑BBEE and the electricity context so your plan matches South African realities. Run it quarterly, and your NPO or SME will always know what to do next—not someday. Explore our other branding & communications resources to learn more about setting up your brand strategy!
Download the SWOT/TOWS template
Open the ready-to-use SWOT/TOWS Sheet and paste the tables above.
👉 Download the template
FAQs: SWOT Analysis in South Africa
1) What’s the difference between SWOT and TOWS?
SWOT identifies internal and external factors. TOWS turns those factors into SO/ST/WO/WT strategies—i.e., actions. (swot vs tows)
2) How often should we redo a SWOT?
Quarterly is a good rhythm. Re‑run sooner if the external environment shifts (e.g., material changes in electricity reliability or data‑protection enforcement).
3) Can a small team run a SWOT effectively?
Yes. A three‑person team can finish in 45 minutes using dot‑voting and an impact‑effort matrix to prioritise. (how to do a swot)
4) What data should inform a SWOT?
KPIs, customer/beneficiary feedback, budget/cash data, and relevant SA policies (POPIA, NPO Act, B‑BBEE thresholds) plus energy risks.
If you run a South African nonprofit or small business, you don’t need a marathon strategy offsite to get clarity. You need one focused conversation that surfaces what’s working, what isn’t, and the smart plays for the next quarter.
Introduction to the SWOT Analysis template
That’s what a SWOT analysis gives you—then TOWS turns the insights into action. This guide shows you how to run a tight 45-minute workshop, score and prioritise the list, and convert it into a one-page action plan. You’ll also get a copy-ready SWOT + TOWS template you can drop into Google Sheets.
Along the way, we’ll call out South Africa-specific nuances—like POPIA enforcement for direct marketing, B-BBEE thresholds for SMEs, and the ongoing electricity risk—so your outputs reflect the local operating environment.
Quick Takeaways
One hour is enough: 45 minutes to capture and score; 15 minutes to turn into TOWS plays.
Evidence beats opinion: add one line of data or proof to each item.
Prioritise hard: cap to five per quadrant, then choose three plays.
Mind SA realities: POPIA (marketing consent), B‑BBEE thresholds, and electricity risk belong in your external view.
Review quarterly: keep momentum with short monthly check‑ins.
Download this SWOT/TOWS template
Free SWOT/TOWS Google Sheets template for South Africa (NPOs & SMEs).
👉 Download the template
What Is SWOT Analysis (and When to Use It)?
SWOT stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats.
Strengths and weaknesses are internal (team, product, brand, cash, systems).
Opportunities and threats are external (market, regulation, technology, competition, electricity supply).
When to use it
Before funding rounds or donor pitches (to prove you understand your context).
During quarterly planning (to choose the 3–5 initiatives that actually move the needle).
After major shocks (policy changes, platform shifts, power disruptions).
What SWOT isn’t
It’s not a to‑do list. It’s a prioritised shortlist that feeds a TOWS matrix, which is where actions live.
How to Run a 45‑Minute SWOT Workshop
You can do this with a team of three to eight people on a video call or in a room with sticky notes. Keep the timer visible. Aim for quantity first, quality later.
Prep (inputs & people)
People
Facilitator (keeps time, clusters ideas, runs scoring).
Decision‑maker (signs off on top 3–5 plays).
1–2 people close to customers/beneficiaries (service, sales, field).
Finance/ops rep (cash flow, capacity, compliance).
Inputs
Last quarter’s KPIs (cash in bank, runway, revenue/donations, unit metrics).
Customer/beneficiary feedback highlights.
A quick compliance & context check for South Africa: POPIA for direct marketing, B‑BBEE thresholds for SME opportunities, NPO Act governance for nonprofits, and electricity reliability considerations.
Set the frame
“We’re here to find the top five realities shaping this quarter and turn them into three plays.”
Timing (10 minutes)
3 minutes: skim KPIs & context inputs
7 minutes: set definitions, clarify goals, assign roles
Scoring & prioritisation
Brainstorm (20 minutes total)
5 minutes per quadrant (S, W, O, T). Capture everything without debate. Use a board or sheet.
Prioritise (15 minutes)
Dot‑vote to shortlist (fast): give each participant five dots per quadrant; highest dot count wins.
Weight by Impact × Effort: put the top items on a 2×2 (High impact/Low effort = do now). If you prefer numbers, score Impact (1–5) and Effort (1–5) and calculate Priority = Impact − Effort.
One‑line evidence: ask, “What’s the proof?” (metric, customer quote, invoice trend, complaint log, uptime report). Items without evidence get downgraded.
Output of the 45 minutes
A shortlist of 3–5 S/W/O/T items with scores and one‑line evidence, ready for TOWS conversion. This step satisfies the “how to do a swot” search intent and sets you up to use the free swot template below.
From SWOT to TOWS (Turning Insight into Plays)
SWOT tells you what’s true. TOWS tells you what to do. The TOWS matrix pairs internal factors with external ones to generate SO, ST, WO, WT strategies:
SO (Strengths × Opportunities): Use strengths to capture opportunities.
ST (Strengths × Threats): Use strengths to counter threats.
WO (Weaknesses × Opportunities): Fix weaknesses to unlock opportunities.
WT (Weaknesses × Threats): Reduce weaknesses to avoid threats.
How to fill it (15 minutes)
For each Strength (S1, S2…) and Opportunity (O1, O2…), write one SO play (e.g., “S1 × O2 → Partner with two EME/QSE suppliers to fast‑track corporate procurement listings”).
For each Threat (T1, T2…), write one ST play (e.g., “S2 × T1 → Move our top three services to pre‑paid to reduce cash‑flow exposure during outages”).
For each Weakness (W1, W2…), write one WO/WT play (e.g., “W1 × O1 → Train two volunteers as WhatsApp hotline agents to cut response times”).
Now score each play on Impact and Effort and keep the top three.
Example: SA NPO vs SME SWOT Nuances
For NPOs
Strengths: community trust, volunteer base, low CAC via programmes.
Weaknesses: capacity gaps in M&E or finance; dependence on restricted funding.
Opportunities: corporate social investment streams; civic‑tech tools for reporting.
Threats: POPIA rules for direct marketing (consent, opt‑out, record‑keeping); funding concentration; electricity disruptions.
Governance tip: keep founding documents and board details up to date for the NPO Directorate.
For SMEs
Strengths: speed, owner‑led decisions, niche service quality.
Weaknesses: thin cash buffers; single‑supplier or single‑channel risk.
Opportunities: corporate supply chains that recognise EME/QSE status; digital payments adoption.
Threats: electricity reliability; input price volatility; regulatory shifts.
Why it matters: This swot for nonprofits vs swot for smes comparison helps you tailor the matrix to your operating model and South African context.
Download: SWOT + TOWS Template
Download SWOT/TOWS template
Open the ready-to-use SWOT/TOWS Sheet and paste the tables above.
👉 Download the template
SWOT Template
Category | Item (S1/W1/O1/T1) | Evidence/Data | Impact (1-5) | Effort (1-5) | Priority (Impact-Effort) | Owner | 90-day Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Strengths | S1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
Strengths | S2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
Weaknesses | W1 | 5 | 4 | 1 | |||
Weaknesses | W2 | 3 | 2 | 1 | |||
Opportunities | O1 | 5 | 3 | 2 | |||
Opportunities | O2 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
Threats | T1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
Threats | T2 | 4 | 4 | 0 |
TOWS Template
Play Type | Linked Factors | One-line Strategy | Impact (1-5) | Effort (1-5) | Priority | Owner | Due Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
SO | S1 × O1 | 5 | 2 | 3 | |||
ST | S2 × T1 | 4 | 2 | 2 | |||
WO | W1 × O2 | 4 | 3 | 1 | |||
WT | W2 × T2 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
How to use the SWOT and TOWS Template
Open Google Sheets → Blank.
Create two tabs: SWOT and TOWS.
Paste the CSV below into each tab (File → Import → Upload → “Replace data at selected cell”).
Share with your team; run the 45‑minute workshop; then TOWS.
Common Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Endless lists, no decisions. Fix: cap each quadrant to five items using dot‑voting, then move into TOWS.
Generic statements with no proof. Fix: add one line of evidence to each item (metric, quote, record).
No translation to action. Fix: always produce SO/ST/WO/WT plays and score them.
Ignoring compliance or policy. Fix: explicitly ask, “What changed in SA regulation this quarter?” (POPIA, B‑BBEE, etc.).
Skipping review. Fix: set a quarterly date to review the matrix and KPIs.
Next Steps: Quarterly Review & KPIs
Cadence
Month 0: Run the SWOT → TOWS; pick 3 plays.
Monthly: 30‑minute check: green/amber/red on each play.
Quarter‑end: Re‑run a mini‑SWOT (30 minutes), refresh TOWS, roll over what still matters.
KPIs to watch
NPOs: programme outcomes, cost per beneficiary, fundraising pipeline, donor retention, POPIA complaints.
SMEs: cash conversion cycle, debtor days, gross margin by product, digital payments share, hours mitigated during outages (inverters/solar uptime).
Make It Real: Run The 45-Minute SWOT Today
A SWOT analysis doesn’t have to be a sprawling document. Done right, it’s a focused conversation that captures the five realities that matter now—then a TOWS matrix turns those realities into three concrete plays for the next 90 days. Keep it light, keep it evidence‑based, and keep it local: factor in POPIA, B‑BBEE and the electricity context so your plan matches South African realities. Run it quarterly, and your NPO or SME will always know what to do next—not someday. Explore our other branding & communications resources to learn more about setting up your brand strategy!
Download the SWOT/TOWS template
Open the ready-to-use SWOT/TOWS Sheet and paste the tables above.
👉 Download the template
FAQs: SWOT Analysis in South Africa
1) What’s the difference between SWOT and TOWS?
SWOT identifies internal and external factors. TOWS turns those factors into SO/ST/WO/WT strategies—i.e., actions. (swot vs tows)
2) How often should we redo a SWOT?
Quarterly is a good rhythm. Re‑run sooner if the external environment shifts (e.g., material changes in electricity reliability or data‑protection enforcement).
3) Can a small team run a SWOT effectively?
Yes. A three‑person team can finish in 45 minutes using dot‑voting and an impact‑effort matrix to prioritise. (how to do a swot)
4) What data should inform a SWOT?
KPIs, customer/beneficiary feedback, budget/cash data, and relevant SA policies (POPIA, NPO Act, B‑BBEE thresholds) plus energy risks.
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Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine
Book a Free Consultation
Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine
Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine
Let’s talk. Book a free 20-minute discovery call with me to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps. We will identify what we can fix, fast, to help your nonprofit or startup grow smarter.
Helping nonprofits, startups, and social enterprises in South Africa grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits, and workflow optimisation.
Explore Services
© Romanos Boraine 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine
Let’s talk. Book a free 20-minute discovery call with me to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps. We will identify what we can fix, fast, to help your nonprofit or startup grow smarter.
Helping nonprofits, startups, and social enterprises in South Africa grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits, and workflow optimisation.
Explore Services
© Romanos Boraine 2025.
All Rights Reserved
Book a Free Consultation with Romanos Boraine
Let’s talk. Book a free 20-minute discovery call with me to map out your brand, systems, or content gaps. We will identify what we can fix, fast, to help your nonprofit or startup grow smarter.
Helping nonprofits, startups, and social enterprises in South Africa grow smarter through strategic positioning, creative direction, digital systems audits, and workflow optimisation.
Explore Services
© Romanos Boraine 2025.
All Rights Reserved
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