Policy, Research & Information Unit

The main objective of the programme is to coordinate and support initiatives aimed at strengthening and developing the economic content of the PGDP; facilitate the formation of more informed and planned interventions to address poverty and unemployment and; meet the socio-economic and IT needs of a range of stakeholders.

This programme has made a significant contribution to improving the quality and accessibility of information to all stakeholders through:

Analysis, utilising both statistical and spatial (GIS) data
Co-ordinating and facilitating the development of sector strategies in support of PGDP
Providing strategic and technical support to district growth and development summits and sector summits
Developing a socio-economic profile of the Province and
Providing information support to the other ECSECC programmes

The programme’s involvement extends to:

Conducting research to inform the Provincial industrial development strategy process
Compiling the industrial development strategy framework
Input/participation in the Provincial Skills Development Planning process and Provincial Priority Skills Plan
Facilitating development of provincial socioeconomic data, establishment of information and impact monitoring hub
Supporting the Economy Portfolio committee on environment/tourism strategic planning
Providing socio-economic information to the Provincial and Local Government, Labour,
Private Sector and Civil Society Organisations