Based on a 2-year research and dialogue process involving the African Centre for Cities (UCT), VPUU and the GIZ Inclusive Violence and Crime Prevention Programme (VCP), Isandla Institute developed a guide for municipal practitioners and policy makers, drawing out key insights and lessons to inform progressive practice. Promoting safety and violence prevention through informal settlement upgrading: Lessons from different informal settlement interventions for practitioners and policy makers was published in 2017.

In 2017 Isandla Institute launched a web tool to enhance accountability related city responses to informal settlements and backyard shacks. Using public data (including reports submitted to National Treasury, the Built Environment Performance Plans, Integrated Development Plans, Service Delivery and Budget Implementation Plans and other municipal documents), the tool provides information on how the 8 metropolitan municipalities are framing their responses to residential informality. The tool also invites feedback and submissions from other stakeholders. The tool is updated annually.

Further details about the Planning for Informality accountability tool can be found at www.planning4informality.org.za