Jan Vorster lectures in social research methods and poverty issues. He completed research projects on the labour situation of farm workers and strategies for poverty alleviation, including work on social security and pension reform. Jan conducted several studies on socio-economic conditions in rural Western Cape to support communities in their efforts to realise development goals. He is regularly participating in programmes to enhance research capacity amongst civil servants and NGOs. Jan is currently involved in research on the impact of social assistance grants and state housing.