Amid the growing discourse around self-build, especially in the context of fiscal constraints and the de-prioritisation of new large-scale public housing projects, there is an opportunity for self-build to be enabled and supported through Housing Support Centres, to tap into latent willingness and agency of communities for incremental top-structure consolidation. Based on the Enhanced People’s Housing Process (EPHP) as a local self-build precedent, and other examples of current and proposed models for support centres, both locally and in other global South locations (Brazil and India), Isandla Institute has proposed a municipal-led Housing Support Centre model that could provide a variety of possible housing support needs across different housing/settlement typologies, in partnership with provinces, NGOs, the private sector, and academic institutions. For more details, see an animation and proposition paper here, which are distilled from a  longer research paper (see here), as well as this comic book which was generated from the animation.

In 2022 Isandla Institute, supported by a number of civil society partners, produced a joint civil society submission, which addressed four key areas of intervention which we believe start to address some of the significant challenges facing the backyard housing market. These key areas include access to basic services for backyard residents living on both public and private land; tenure (in)security for both landlords and backyard residents; enabling the right to self-build as an integral part of the right of access to housing; and, the importance of promoting safe neighbourhoods through an area-based violence prevention approach. For more details, see the civil society submission here and an animation that distils the main arguments, as well as this comic book which was generated from the animation.

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 assistance to enable any sustainable form of self-build to those who require financial assistance. It examines whether there is any support for self-build in the current subsidy scheme for those who often fall within the cracks of current state programmes. It further examines if the fiscus supports the current and growing demand in the context of an anticipated increase in demand. Finally, it touches on the requirements for institutionalising and administering public financial assistance to this particular segment of the population, given that it requires a change in thinking and operational requirements to ensure that any administrative system is accessible and fit for purpose.

In 2022, Isandla Institute investigated  how self-build can be enabled and supported through of Housing Support Centres (HSCs), inspired by the local EPHP housing support centre precedent and other Global South self-build initiatives. This paper draws on the research and arguments developed previously by developing a model for the institutionalisation HSCs. This, in turn will lay the basis for policy advocacy around the uptake of the model in local, provincial and national policy and programmes. It covers the rationale for HSCs, the municipal benefits of implementing an HSC model, what HSCs will do and what shape and form they can take, and the role for communities and intended beneficiaries in HSCs. The implications for municipal capacity and resources, funding sources, governance arrangements, the role of non-government stakeholders, and the role of provincial and national government in creating an enabling environment for HSCs are also covered. Ultimately, a national HSC policy framework and support is needed to guide municipalities (and an adequate self-build subsidy funding for those with lowest incomes); the piloting of the HSC model in different municipalities, responding to different human settlements contexts and needs; and lastly, multi-stakeholder engagement with and refinement of the proposed model.

Municipalities often overlook backyard residents in their provision of free basic services which are funded by the equitable share. Isandla Institute did research on the implications of extending water and sanitation infrastructure to backyard residents in 2022. The case study undertaken on waste management in 2023 builds on the advocacy arguments around including backyard residents in free basic service provision as well as in respect of other public amenities and services such as policing, access to health care, early childhood centres, libraries etc. It examines the challenges and opportunities in facilitating the extension of the service to all indigent residents in under-serviced areas. It also examines the high societal, health and environmental costs of failing to provide services. With examples from practise, it briefly touches on some of the multiple interventions which may not be as resource-intensive but which are capable of yielding significant positive impacts both in the short, medium and long-term in the context of refuse removal initiatives. Waste management is the one basic service that provides entry points for diverse local economic development and employment opportunities.

Vulnerability plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of South Africans, whether it’s on the basis of gender, socio-economic status, age or any other factor. Many of these vulnerabilities are compounding, which increases one’s susceptibility and risk to violence and crime exponentially. Intersectionality serves as a valuable lens through which to view and understand vulnerability and the power relations it emanates from. It brings to light factors of exclusion, marginalisation and privilege/power, which is essential for effective area-based violence prevention interventions (ABVPI). ABVPI is also enriched by adopting an outcomes-based approach which gives better insights into what works and what does not work, because it allows one to assess whether actions are having the desired impact or contribute to the envisaged change. Being explicit about outcomes also moves the conversation beyond undefined qualifiers, such as ‘safe’, ‘inclusive’ or ‘resilient’, that often have a ‘feel good’ factor associated with them, but can mean different things to different people. Effective and inclusive violence and crime prevention is informed by an understanding of where different factors of power and vulnerability emanate from and how these factors interact, as well as an explicit and intentional focus on working towards building a common understanding and harmonised practice towards safer neighbourhoods.

This Practice Brief draws on the presentations and discussions at the second SPRINT Champions Event, held in May 2023, which brought together representatives from national, provincial and local government and civil society organisations. It is targeted at urban practitioners who want to contribute to making neighbourhoods and cities more inclusive, vibrant and safe. It does this by offering key insights shared by other practitioners who participated in the Champions Event.

Crime and violence are intrusive with both immediate and long-term implications for communities. This is particularly true for those who live in under-resourced neighbourhoods, such as backyard residents and people living in informal settlements. The converging crises of load shedding, water shortages and critical service infrastructure collapse further perpetuate the underlying conditions which allow for crime and violence to flourish. This not only impacts communities; it also creates a climate of risk for organisations working in these areas. In this context, it is clear that a security-focussed response only yields limited results. This practice brief outlines the constitutional framework for safety and security as well as the pillars of area-based violence prevention interventions (ABVPI). It examines the key factors that make ABVPIs sustainable and draws on a successful project from practice to gain important lessons for replicability.

This is the final learning brief produced by Isandla Institute under the Safer Places: Resilient Institutes and Neighbourhoods Together (SPRINT) Project. The brief highlights the importance of schools in offering a positive learning and interactive environment and as a potential entry point for area-based violence prevention interventions (ABVPI). It provides context as to the extent in which schools are affected by violence and crime and offers examples from practice of how the safety and security of both students and staff can be secured, both on school grounds and on the journey to/from school. It further explores how schools can be seen as community assets that can become beacons of safety and resilience for the community at large.

Public parks provide for natural beauty and recreational space and play a vital role in creating a sense of community. If not activated or maintained, public parks can become neglected, uncomfortable and even unsafe.  Drawing on work done by the City of Johannesburg and partners to upgrade green public spaces through collaboration and co-creation with stakeholders and community, this SPRINT learning brief argues that the provision of quality public green spaces is vital in creating safer, inclusive neighbourhoods. The brief highlights six factors of good practice for co-producing, managing and activating green public spaces.