The Political Information and Monitoring Service (PIMS) aims to support democracy and promote good ethical governance in South Africa through building government and civic capacity for democracy, in particular through training and related activities. PIMS provides impartial and timely insights into the South African legislative process. In its work in the national and provincial legislatures, PIMS promotes an open and accountable executive and strong, independent parliaments.

PIMS monitors the legislatures and the executive, researches public policy and legislation, and disseminates meaningful information generated by these activities to civil society and other audiences. PIMS also oversees executive policy-making research and provides specialist social justice campaign support and advice.