Where are we? Where are we headed? How will we get there? What and who will get us there? This is how I have decided to demystify what strategy means. Strategy is about being different, deliberately choosing a different set of activities to deliver a unique mix of value.
Its essence is in the activities; a choice of doing things differently or performing different activities from the competition. And strategy is often very difficult to imitate if executed properly.
Take for example Shoprite and its extensive supply chain across the country or its decision to only take occupation at Shopping malls as opposed to a stand-alone hypermarket. The strategy mitigated a lot of security risk during the Xenophobia reprisal attacks.