GCRO hosts second dialogue on using data to address poverty and inequality

The Gauteng City-Region Observatory (GCRO) hosted the second Poverty, Inequality and Social Mobility Dialogue on 8 October 2026, bringing together researchers and government stakeholders to explore how data can inform efforts to reduce poverty and inequality in the Gauteng City-Region (GCR). Held at GCRO’s offices, the dialogue focused on the use of administrative, spatial and other data to strengthen planning, improve public policy and support evidence-based decision-making. Organised by senior researcher Ebrahim-Khalil Hassen, the engagement continued discussions from the first dialogue, with an emphasis on building sustained collaboration between GCRO and the Gauteng Provincial Government (GPG).

^{GCRO Senior Researcher: Ebrahim-Khalil Hassen}

Opening the dialogue, GCRO Executive Director Rashid Seedat highlighted the importance of using data to inform planning and problem-solving, emphasising the need for long-term collaboration rather than once-off engagements. Presentations explored how existing data sources can help identify areas of need, track economic activity and support more targeted interventions. Hassen highlighted GCRO’s poverty indicator maps, ward-level changes in Gross Value Added and Carbon Atlas as examples of how data can inform poverty alleviation strategies, identify areas of economic growth and support carbon neutrality planning.

Discussions also highlighted the challenges of translating available data into practical policy responses. Participants noted the need for better integration of administrative datasets, particularly to improve understanding of household needs and the allocation of social support. Data gaps, limited digitisation, and the need to navigate data access and privacy requirements were identified as important considerations. Other presentations demonstrated how data can support decision-making across different sectors. Andrew Nell presented the Spatial Tax Panel, which uses de-identified tax data to examine economic activity at different geographical levels. Researchers from Wits VIDA shared insights from health and demographic research in Soweto, showing how infant mortality data can help identify causes of death associated with poverty, inequality and living conditions.

Dylan Weakley of the City of Johannesburg presented the Consolidated Group Infrastructure Asset Register, a central repository of municipal infrastructure data that can support asset mapping, maintenance planning and the prioritisation of infrastructure projects. Across the discussions, participants emphasised that collecting data is only part of the process. Making meaningful use of it requires collaboration, integrated information systems and a clear understanding of how evidence can inform policy choices and implementation.

The dialogue reinforced the importance of strengthening partnerships between researchers and government to ensure that available data contributes to a better understanding of poverty and inequality, and supports more effective responses across the Gauteng City-Region.