Isandla Institute

13/10/2026

Join us for this interesting exchange of ideas, practices and experiences!

Habitat International Coalition Instituto Pólis UN-HABITAT

Please join us as we discuss the implications of a just urban transition for climate action, energy security and informal settlement upgrading based on insights from South Africa, Brazil and the global South.

To register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_prWFXrxRkODwuDy0FXRUQ #/registration

Instituto Pólis Habitat International Coalition UN-HABITAT

01/10/2026

Please join us as we discuss the implications of a just urban transition for climate action, energy security and informal settlement upgrading based on insights from South Africa, Brazil and the global South.

To register: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/_prWFXrxRkODwuDy0FXRUQ #/registration

Instituto Pólis Habitat International Coalition UN-HABITAT

23/09/2026

The South African government is moving away from public housing provision because it is too costly, too complex and too slow. But while it needs to augment and diversify its approach to housing and human settlements, government also needs to reform the housing delivery system.

Read our latest article:

South Africa continues to face a substantial housing crisis. In March 2026, the Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane put the national housing backlog at 2.

08/09/2026

Isandla Institute has been part of the process to develop the Code for Ethical Leadership in Local Government and monitor its uptake. It is exciting that 100 municipalities have adopted the Code. However, adopting the Code is meaningless, unless it changes practices, behaviour and relationships - especially with local communities.

The Ethics Institute; South African Local Government Association (SALGA); Departments: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs

Municipalities must now move beyond formally adopting the code and develop implementation plans

07/09/2026

09/06/2026

Our latest policy brief on the implications of a just urban transition for informal settlements is informed by engagements held with key human settlements stakeholders between 2025 and 2026. It summarises an urban reform agenda focused on climate resilience, livelihoods, governance, and investment in informal settlement upgrading. It outlines priority reforms in governance, funding, and implementation, and sets out specific actions and institutional commitments required from - and committed to by - key national government stakeholders, namely the Department of Human Settlements, National Treasury, Departments: Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) and Operation Vulindlela.

The project was executed in partnership with the Cities Support Programme and supported by UK in South Africa. Read the policy brief to find out more: https://isandla.org.za/en/resources/item/download/435_3ded11df63eb9203fd3ed14551f62588

; Development Action Group Built Environment Support Group - BESG Planact People's Environmental Planning South African SDI Alliance Presidential Climate Commission VPUU- Violence Prevention Through Urban Upgrading

15/05/2026

We are excited to be co-hosting an event on energy justice and the just urban transition for informal settlements at the World Urban Forum in Baku next week. Join us if you can!

Instituto Pólis Habitat International Coalition

11/05/2026

In partnership with the Cities Support Programme, we continue to promote the integration of sustainable livelihoods into informal settlement upgrading processes and outcomes. Earlier this year, we convened an exciting exchange on the potential of public employment programmes to catalyse a just urban transition approach to informal settlements. The exchange also served to inform the planned repositioning of the Community Work Programme (CWP) as a just urban transition platform, one that combines sustainable livelihoods with climate resilience and neighbourhood development. Read our knowledge brief to find out more: https://isandla.org.za/en/resources/item/download/433_6034e5b7ffd9875ddcc97773e3ca4954

13/01/2026

At the start of this new year, our hope is that our collective efforts will bring about safer, dignified, resilient and sustainable neighbourhoods, towns and cities.

This is from our archive. While the context at the time was shaped by the COVID-19 pandemic, the analysis offered and aspirations expressed still hold true.

; SaferSpaces; VPUU- Violence Prevention Through Urban Upgrading; South African Local Government Association (SALGA)

This animation is part 1 of a 3 part series that unpacks the importance of Violence Prevention Initiatives - or VPI - when promoting safety and resilience in...