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What does a “just transition” mean for you?
Millions of people living in informal settlements experience high risks related to climate change. The land they live on can easily be flooded or collapse in mudslides. Low quality housing, made from zinc with not enough ventilation, is less able to resist high winds and can make heatwaves feel worse. Government must play its part in upgrading informal settlements to…
Investigating the value and feasibility of using public finance for self-build housing processes in South Africa
In 2023, Isandla Institute deepened its work on technical and financial support for self-build by developing a proposed institutional design for Housing Support Centres. This paper examines the financial implications for self-build. It builds on the premise that self-build is part of the right of access to housing and that as such, the state must take reasonable steps, including financial…
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.