To act as a public interest think-tank with a primary focus on fostering just, equitable and democratic urban settlements. This is enhanced through innovative research and advocacy interventions.

Isandla Instutute functions as an experimental 'hot house' where policy ideas about the reduction of urban inequality, poverty, racism and social exclusion are nurtured. By design, Isandla Institute works with multiple partners to guarantee that new ideas are disseminated, tested and remoulded so as to succeed in solving problems in the 'real' world. At the same time, the Institute works with academic institutions to ensure that its applied policy focus is rooted in robust knowledge systems. Conceptually, Isandla Institute's work revolves around 'the right to the city' and, more particularly, how poor people in South Africa can claim and enjoy that right.

Urban Land and Integration
HIV/AIDS in the City
Local Government
Specialist Advice / Consultancy