PLAAS is an Independent Research Institute situated within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at the University of the Western Cape. The Director, Prof Ruth Hall, reports directly to the Dean of the EMS faculty, Prof Michelle Esau. Day-to-day management is done by the Director and senior researchers. The research direction of PLAAS and its policy advice is jointly led by the professors who head up the different research areas at PLAAS. The accountability of the Director and her team is to the PLAAS Advisory Board, a structure chaired by Prof José Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation), which sits once a year.
In 2024, PLAAS underwent an institutional review and developed a five-year strategic plan, beginning in 2025. You can download it here.
Download the 2024 Annual Report here.
The PLAAS Advisory Board comprises the following members:
- Prof Priscilla Baker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research and Innovation) (Chair);
- Prof Monwabisi Ralarala, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic);
- Prof Ruth Hall (PLAAS Director);
- Prof Michelle Esau, Dean of the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences;
- Prof Jesika Singh, Director of Research;
- Emeritus Prof Ben Cousins, PLAAS;
- Dr Joan Kagwanja, UN Economic Commission for Africa;
- Dr James Murombedzi, UN Economic Commission for Africa;
- Prof Julian May, Director of the Centre of Excellence (Food Security) at UWC;
- Dr Teresa Yates, National Director of Pro Bono; and
- Nolundi Luwaya, Director of Land & Accountability Research Centre.