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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…
A Just Urban Transition for and with Informal Settlements: The art of deliberative engagement A Just Urban Transition for and with Informal Settlements: The art of deliberative engagement
If you are a municipal practitioner wishing to engage with informal settlement communities about upgrading decisions to drive a just urban transition, then this tool is for you. Geared towards climate resilience and addressing vulnerabilities and social exclusion experienced by informal settlement residents, a just urban transition involves novel approaches to informal settlement upgrading and challenges municipalities (and other potential…

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