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.

South Africa’s economy needs to shift away from its reliance on coal and move towards a low-carbon economy. Cities as drivers of the economy need to play a leading role in this transition, in a manner that advances climate resilience, socio-economic inclusion and equity. Informal settlements cannot be left behind. In fact, informal settlement upgrading should be an urgent national development priority, that has been made even more pressing due to the disproportionate climate impacts in informal settlements. A just urban transition posits informal settlements at the centre of investment, innovation, partnerships and resilience building, which will not only result in dignified, safe, vibrant and sustainable neighbourhoods; it will contribute to the urban dividend.

Informal settlements as catalysts for a just urban transition is a joint initiative of Isandla Institute and National Treasury’s Cities Support Programme, supported by SouthSouthNorth. Informed by a series of critical dialogues, the project has produced insightful knowledge products that conclude with key recommendations for improved practice and policy.

Informal settlements represent the failure of South Africa’s labour market. A just urban transition places significant emphasis on economic considerations as central to climate-informed development. Place-based, place-making and circular economy approaches hold significant potential for foregrounding the economic dimensions and potential of informal settlement upgrading, with public employment programmes playing a critical role in the transformation of informal settlements.

The persistent presence and growth of informal settlements should be understood as a national crisis, requiring extraordinary measures and targeted investment. Using a just urban transition frame, this crisis can become a vital opportunity, not only for informal settlement residents but also for the urban systems that these settlements are part of. 

The small-scale affordable rental housing sector is highly diverse. Awareness of crucial differences is important for understanding the varied ways in which they operate and their future growth potential and capacity to formalise. It is also key to developing appropriate responses and support interventions that adequately respond to the needs and opportunities inherent to specific sub-sectors of this housing market.

Throughout our organisational history, Isandla Institute has sought to promote and contribute to systems and practices of urban governance that advance spatial justice, urban inclusion, active citizenship and equitable urban development. As we chart our trajectory for the next phase, our work will be guided by the notion of a just urban transition. Read more about our programmes.

The CSO Winter School on Backyard Housing took place on 11-13 June 2024. The Winter School provided dedicated space for CSOs to engage some of the crucial challenges and opportunities confronting the backyard housing sector. Insightful presentations and engaging discussions allowed for reflection on a range of issues that not only impact the backyard housing sector but are commonly confronted by all communities who live in conditions of informality.

The core objectives of the CSO Winter School were to:
• Deepen knowledge of the (diverse) backyard housing sector and the important role it plays in providing affordable housing and facilitating and contributing to local economic and neighbourhood development;
• Increase understanding of the challenges faced by the sector and the potential role(s) that CSOs could fulfil in enabling/strengthening the backyard housing sector; and
• Explore how CSOs can take the insights gained forward into their own practice and/or advocacy on housing, human settlements and access to services.

The objectives of the CSO Winter School were certainly met. The Summary Report captures the highlights of the programme and some of the discussions that shaped our interaction.

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 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.

Access to energy is considered to be essential to living a dignified and productive life. Yet, a significant number of households in South Africa either experience some form of energy poverty or can be described as living in a perpetual state of energy poverty. Access to safe, sustainable and renewable energy sources is key to improving the quality of life and the prospects of household improvement for those who are most impacted by energy poverty. This includes people who live in under-serviced areas, such as in informal settlements and backyard housing. This practice brief examines the concept of energy poverty, how it manifests in practice and the many complex drivers that need to be addressed. It relates these to the opportunities and inherent challenges in South Africa’s attempts to facilitate a just energy transition - from a carbon-based economy to relying on clean, renewable and sustainable energy sources. 

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 for everyone.