Sustainable Livelihoods, Neighbourhood Development and Climate Resilience

This report, produced through a partnership between the Isandla Institute and the National Treasury Cities Support Programme (CSP), summarises discussions from a March 2026 national roundtable on advancing livelihoods in informal settlement upgrading (PDF, 1.22MB). It argues that upgrading in South Africa should go beyond infrastructure to also create jobs, support local economies, and build climate resilience through a “Just Urban Transition” approach. The report highlights that informal settlements face severe unemployment, inequality, and climate risks, and proposes integrating livelihoods into upgrading, promoting local economic development, investing in community spaces, supporting circular economies, and leveraging public employment programmes to ensure development is inclusive, sustainable, and benefits vulnerable communities.

Abstract based on original source.