Decisions and data infrastructure design impact social equity, economic productivity, and environmental sustainability. This project investigates the processes by which decisions are made to invest in power infrastructure within two South African municipal administrations: Cape Town (Western Cape) and Johannesburg (Gauteng). As part of The British Academy-funded Evidence-Informed Policymaking (EIPM) Programme, this project addresses how Cape Town and Johannesburg are developing evidence systems, data tools, strategies and user engagements in policy processes. These include lessons drawn from activities in data, research, planning and policy engagements in units related to environment and infrastructure services, especially electricity/energy; strategy and coordination, as well as city transformation and planning policies. By examining how evidence is generated, managed, and mobilised in municipal decision-making, the project aims to understand the use of evidence in policymaking. Through this project, municipalities benefit from clearer, data-driven investment processes, communities experience more reliable and equitable access to power; and the broader policy ecosystem gains models for evidence-informed governance that can be adapted across sectors and regions.
Research Objectives
- Mapping infrastructure and policy: Map existing infrastructure provision and policy frameworks governing power supply in relation to evidence-based decision-making in Cape Town and Johannesburg, with specific attention to how evidence-based decision-making is embedded within them.
- Evidence processes: Examine how evidence is currently gathered, qualified, and applied in municipal power investment decisions, identifying gaps, biases and opportunities for alternative models that promote inclusivity, transparency and accountability.
- Mobilisation of evidence: Analyse how different forms of evidence are mobilised across comparative case studies, including the roles of open data, digital platforms and citizen engagement in shaping investment priorities.
- Environment and sustainability: Assess how environmental, sustainability, and nature-related considerations are incorporated into power infrastructure decision-making, and propose strategies to strengthen these dimensions within evidence-informed policymaking.
Methodology
Through comparative analysis of evidence mobilisation and decision-making frameworks, and a systematic review of data systems and user engagement mechanisms supporting energy policy decisions, this study will generate new insights to be translated into actionable frameworks for municipal decision-makers. To support these analyses, the study will host in-depth interviews with:
- Officials involved in electricity governance at the municipal level in Cape Town and Johannesburg;
- Academics and policy researchers specialising in the politics of electricity in South Africa;
- Advocacy officers at civil society organisations and lobby groups addressing power infrastructure issues; and
- Focus group discussions will be held with multiple stakeholders.
Partnership
Research ICT Africa partners with the University of Glasgow to deliver this work. External team members include:
- Prof John Finch, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Dr Yee Kwan Tang, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
- Dr Chuks Otioma, University of Glasgow, United Kingdom
