Two members of the Policy Innovation Lab team, Monique Bennett (Doctoral research assistant) and Tinashe Chikunichawa (Goalkeeper programme manager), were recently featured on Stellenbosch’s local radio station MFM. Appearing on the breakfast show, they shared insights into the Lab’s mission, ongoing projects and the value of interdisciplinary teamwork in shaping the future of policymaking.
The interview opened with a light-hearted question: “If the Policy Innovation Lab were a person walking into a party, how would you introduce them?” Monique responded by describing the Lab as “a small but diverse and dynamic team within the School for Data Science that works at the intersection of policy, data science and social impact.” As South African public institutions navigate the age of AI and digital transformation, we are introducing digital tools powered by AI – especially large language models (LLMs) – to support the demanding work of policymakers. Tinashe noted, “It’s not just about the tools. We prioritise responsible use, training and education around both the opportunities and risks of AI adopting.”
The discussion highlighted two current areas of work. Monique shared the Lab’s project head by Dr Gray Manicom, involving a chatbot that collects real-time citizen feedback on service delivery, helping to bridge the gap between public services and the communities they serve. Tinashe introduced ‘The Goalkeepers’ as a network of emerging and established changemakers working across sectors within South Africa. Tinashe’s work at the Lab supports this community in co-creating collaborative projects that foster knowledge exchange and joint action on key issues relating to the Sustainable Development Goals.
Reflecting on the Lab’s role at Stellenbosch University, Monique and Tinashe emphasised the dual focus on research and implementation. The Lab contributes to knowledge on policy advisory systems and digital transformation while developing practical applications for digital tools in the public sector. “We bring together engineers, mathematicians, and social scientists to work towards one goal – making policymaking more responsive, transparent and future-fit,” said Monique.
The interview concluded with a glimpse into the team culture at the Lab. Amidst a competitive lunch scene, Monique credited her chef partner for her usual edge, while Gray was recognised for his homemade sourdough. Meanwhile, Lab Director Willem’s persistent fondness for honey bread sparked good-natured debate.