Latest News

Sustainable homes: Alternative building technologies for low-carbon affordable housing construction Sustainable homes: Alternative building technologies for low-carbon affordable housing construction
Many people live in unsafe informal structures which disproportionately expose them to climate change impacts, while the construction sector is among the largest emitters of greenhouse gases. This paper looks at how alternative building technologies (ABTs) can be a game changer for affordable housing that is safe, dignified, climate-resilient and potentially low-carbon, and their great potential for job creation.
Backyarding: Energy poverty and the shift to renewable energy Backyarding: Energy poverty and the shift to renewable energy
Many South African households experience some form of energy poverty or live in a perpetual state of energy poverty. This practice brief examines the many drivers and impacts of energy poverty and relates these to some of the opportunities and challenges presented by South Africa’s just energy transition - aimed at improving access to clean, renewable and sustainable energy sources…

About Us

Isandla Institute is a key role player in the local governance sector, an important analytical voice on urban development issues, a convener of spaces of dialogue on urban citizenship, a producer of quality research, and a thought leader on issues such as informal settlements upgrading, urban governance and local level planning systems

Key Focus Areas

Urban Land

Promoting planning frameworks and land management systems that advance urban spatial transformation, the social function of and sustainability development.

Urban Governance

Promoting accountable, democratic, responsive, integrated and resilient systems of governance, as well as citizen agency in place making.

Urban Livelihoods

Contributing to systems, processes, policies and planning that enable endogenous development, meaningful work and sustainable livelihoods.

Promoting systems and practices of urban governance that are democratic, inclusive, equitable, accountable and sustainable