Grant Grabs Three. Ceres, Western Cape. Photo Credit: Erna Curry.
public Scholarship
South Africa is both my field-site and adoptive home of 15 years. I am committed to making my research available to those it most effects. I have done so through expert testimony, policy advice, investigative journalism, and documentary film-making. My current (and past) public projects include:
Digital ProfiteersOpen Secrets and I investigated how social welfare delivery is being rapidly digitised due to Covid-19. We explored the future possibilities and pitfalls in the emerging Welfare Industrial Complex. We are using this research to advocate for the protection of people from data profiteering.
Debt & Social Grants |
COvid-19 & Social GrantsThe Black Sash, Wanga Zembe (Medical Research Council), Engenas Senona (Department of Social Development), and I interviewed over 100 social grantees to understand the challenges of delivering social welfare during a pandemic. We are using this research to advocate for Universal Basic Income.
Net1's Payment System |
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The Black Sash, Deborah James (London School of Economics), David Neves (University of the Western Cape), and I explored the proliferation of payday loans to social grantees under the Post Office payment regime. We are using the evidence gathered to push for changes to the National Credit Act.
Land & HousingBefore graduate school, my research focused on land and housing delivery with the Development Action Group and Shack Dwellers International. With these organisations, I supported social movements of Black women demanding secure, dignified housing in the city.
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Through collaborations with the Black Sash, I investigated the material workings of Net1's digital payment infrastructure. The Black Sash legal team used the evidence gathered to litigate against predatory financial practices at the Constitutional Court, bringing grant payment from private to public control.
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