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The Politics and Urban Governance Research Group (PUG) was founded in February 2023 with the mission to "connect research on urban politics to the lived experiences of citizens, and uphold a commitment to integrity, collaboration, and social impact." Three core objectives underpin PUG’s work. First, to better understand all forms of governance in low-income or vulnerable urban communities through building long-term research partnerships with residents and civil society in informal settlements. Second, to use research as a platform to link residents to decision-makers and power holders by fostering participatory spaces that support inclusive debate. Third, to influence decision-making and policies related to urban governance and human rights through research, inclusive dialogue, and co-design.

The rationale behind PUG's work is to use research to support social justice values and contribute to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in highly unequal societies. The Research Group recognises the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalised groups with care. PUG is located in a country with one of the highest measures of inequality in the world, yet South Africa has a strong democratic ethos, a celebrated Constitution, and a motivated civil society. We understand that while there are many strengths to the design of South Africa’s urban governance system, these frameworks and practices have not led to dignified living conditions for low-income residents, especially those in informal settlements. We believe that embedded, sensitive, long-term research will allow those holding power in society (including but not limited to government policymakers) to better understand, acknowledge, and improve the realities of communities living in vulnerable conditions. We are committed to research that goes beyond technical solutions to intractable challenges, focusing instead on how governance measures rooted in the realities of informal settlements can promote social justice and contribute to the attainment of the SDGs.

Vision

To be a leading research platform that connects research on urban politics to the lived experiences of citizens, with a commitment to achieving social impact.

Mission

To build a research group and platform that brings together students, academics, civil society practitioners and policymakers to engage in embedded research, critical scholarship and dialogue.

Values

The research group commits itself to an enabling and supportive environment where it is open to learning, engagement and dialogue based on the following values:
Integrity · Honesty & Transparency · Collaboration · Empowerment · Impact · Respect

The PUG Research Group plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and understanding of urban governance, making significant contributions to both academia and the communities it serves.

VISIT PUG RESEARCH WEBSITE
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