Latest News
Isandla Institute Response to Minister Sisulu’s Budget Vote Speech
Isandla Institute has noted Minister Sisulu’s address pertaining to the Human Settlements Budget Vote (33) on 18 May 2021. As an organisation advocating for and contributing towards systems andpractices of urban governance that are democratic, inclusive, equitable, accountable and sustainable, we are particularly concerned about spatial transformation of South Africa’s cities and towns. We welcome the substantial increase in funding…
New Resource: Backyarding - Understanding rental markets better: A synthesis of research findings in eight neighbourhoods in Cape Town
The informal backyarding housing sector is an important example of a community-led solution to South Africa’s housing problems. But it is poorly understood and often ignored in urban policy and programmes. Our recent paper draws on fieldwork conducted in 8 neighbourhoods in Cape Town in 2020. It shows the nuanced and complex nature of the backyard rental market and the…
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.