PIMS work is supported and funded by the Open Society Foundation For South Africa and The Royal Netherlands Embassy.

In order to best respond to the complexity of good governance issues, PIMS has adopted a strategy of operating in the space between government and civil society.  It does not simply operate as a technical advisor to the state on procedural issues of governance.  Nor does it simply adopt the kind of advocacy role on specific issues that civil society organizations, labour unions, and other interest groups take in relation to the government. 

Instead, it seeks to operate in the space between these players by establishing itself as a “critical ally” of both the government and the many role-players it should be accountable to.  As a critical ally, it primary commitments are to human rights, the South African Constitution and the principles of good governance that make its realization possible. 

Because of its relatively small size, and because of a belief that good governance must be modelled and enforced from the highest levels of government, PIMS focuses its work on national government, and especially the national Parliament.  This does not mean, however, that its work only focuses on legislative issues and Parliamentary oversight.  In many ways, Parliament is a focal point for good governance in all three spheres of government and through its expertise about and networks with Parliament; PIMS is able to make an impact on good governance issues in the executive and judiciary as well.

Parliament

PIMS provides non-partisan and timely insights into the South African legislative process. In its work in the national and provincial legislatures, PIMS promotes open and accountable executive and strong, independent parliaments.

PIMS monitors the legislatures and the executive, researches public policy and legislation, and disseminates meaningful information generated by these activities to civil society and other audiences. PIMS often makes submissions to Parliamentary Committees on matters of democratic process and the public interest. PIMS also oversees executive policy-making research and provides specialist social justice campaign support and advice.

Budget and Fiscal Governance

PIMS sees transparent, accountable and participatory fiscal governance as a key aspect of good democratic governance. Thus, PIMS’ work is focused on Parliament, and in particular its engagement with the annual budget, with the Medium-Term Budget Policy Framework (MTBPF) and with its oversight responsibilities regarding public expenditure. This work also extends beyond Parliament to include information and advocacy support for civil society organizations and others concerned about good fiscal governance and the broader political economy.

Political Analysis and Monitoring

With a strong emphasis on active citizenship and participatory democracy, PIMS’s political monitoring and research work extend to more regular interaction with key stakeholders, decision-makers, and advocacy organizations outside of Parliament. It promotes and contributes to key political debates around good governance on a wide variety of issues including democratic institutions, political behaviour, corruption, political party/state dynamics, and ethics in public life.    

Money in South African Politics - http://www.whofundswho.org
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