The 2026 PITC takes the pilot to the next level, operating as a full-scale urban field operation rather than a one-off volunteer event. Its core goal is to produce a credible, defensible dataset that informs policy, funding and coordination, while keeping volunteers safe and operations tight from registration to debrief. 

Key objectives include:

• Running an accurate count in clearly defined zones.
• Protecting volunteers through formal command and escalation structures.
• Strengthening data integrity and cutting post-event processing delays.
• Delivering a publishable report within agreed timelines. 

Partners include U-Turn, MES, Standard Bank, Nando’s, The FIRM, Local Abode, Maharishi Security Mastery Academy, Wits, UJ, SAPS, JMPD, the Gauteng Department of Social Development, the City of Johannesburg, GCRO, CIDs and multiple community organisations. Together, they are building the evidence base Jozi needs to plan smarter, not louder.