Policy Analysis and Advocacy.

Objective: is to impact government policy in the interests of poor, disadvantaged sectors of the population, through direct engagement with policy-making processes at local, provincial and national levels, and contributing results of relevant research to decision-makers.

Planact engages in policy analysis on two levels: the first is analysis of local government policy as it directly impacts on the communities in which Planact is active, and the second is at provincial or national level on development issues of importance to Planact’s mission. Policy work at local level includes analysis of local Integrated Development Plans, municipal budgets, policies affecting service provision, housing and land use policies, and local economic development policies. At the provincial or national level, Planact assesses the implications of various policies and changes in policy on the poor and on our specific communities.

Inextricably tied to policy work is advocacy. Action to influence policy can involve developing position papers, participating in public hearings or forums, joining a coalition or campaign on key issues, or supporting community organisations as they undertake direct action. Planact chooses strategic issues that have the greatest relevance for the poor, marginalised communities in which we work.

In the coming three years, Planact envisages getting involved in the development of housing policy, access of the poor to land for development, promoting truly integrated development, dealing with the HIV/AIDS challenge and combating xenophobia, among other issues.

Through our affiliation with the Urban Sector Network, the common issues that emerge at the local level amongst affiliates can be taken up with potentially greater impact at national level. Other alliances may prove beneficial as well as we continue this work.

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