WE HARNESS THE POWER OF COLLABORATION AND ACTIVE CITIZENRY TO CO-CREATE THRIVING COMMUNITIES AND LOCAL ECONOMIES.

Ranyaka Community Transformation is an urban planning non-profit company and development agency.  Since 2013, we’ve used a collaborative framework to guide this journey. This framework is called THRIVE.

THRIVE was born from the conviction that we need a different approach: one that puts people, place, and collaborative partnerships at the centre of transformation.

We are currently working in 38 communities in 15 towns in 8 provinces across South Africa – implementing, amongst other programmes,  the Nedbank Proud of my Town initiative.

WE WORK WITH
PLACES

 

Our approach is place-based and systemic. People-centered spatial planning and multi-sectoral integration are key to community well-being. Our objective is to create healthy eco-systems that lay a foundation for optimal development.

 

A TRANSFORMED PLACE HAS THE POWER TO TRANSFORM LIVES.

WE WORK WITH
PEOPLE

 

We work with local stakeholders, strengthening change agents, facilitating cross-sectoral collaboration and integrating citizen-led initiatives into the over-arching strategy for the area. Our objective is collective, as opposed to isolated impact.

 

THROUGH COLLABORATION, WE TACKLE WHAT IS WRONG AND UNLOCK WHAT IS STRONG.

WE WORK WITH
PIONEERING INVESTORS

 

We develop smarter ways of investing in societal transformation. Our objective is sustainability, real impact and maximum return on investment. Nedbank’s Proud of my Town initiative is a prime example of smart investment in action.

 

SMART INVESTMENT LOOKS BEYOND ISOLATED INTERVENTIONS.

Thrive: How communities rebuild together

Thrive: How communities rebuild together

Building thriving communities and strengthening local economies has always been at the heart of Ranyaka’s work. Since 2013, we’ve used a collaborative framework to guide this journey. This framework is called Thrive. Thrive was born from the conviction that we need a...

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The CoCreate Hub – a THRIVE space in action

The CoCreate Hub – a THRIVE space in action

A journey that started in the town of Stellenbosch in 2018 has unfolded in a way that demonstrates so clearly the power of place. Not just a physical structure, but something intentionally shaped to invite connection. When a space is welcoming, accessible and designed...

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Building Business in Polokwane

Building Business in Polokwane

A thriving community depends on a thriving local economy. When local businesses grow and create jobs, it brings stability to the people who live there, invites further investment into the area and builds resilience. Over close to a decade, the Ranyaka Building...

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Changemakers in action: The spark of youth

Changemakers in action: The spark of youth

Reimagining the power of youth“It feels good to be a champion. When we’re together, we feel safe and grow stronger, learning how to care for ourselves, our environment, each other, and the places we call home.” – Owami, 2025. (Changemaker) The word changemaker has...

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When women join forces, communities thrive

When women join forces, communities thrive

‘Imagine with me towns where people are not just surviving, but flourishing. Where dignity is restored. Where every child sees a future. That is what we pursue. That is what we build. That is what we call THRIVE.’ – Sithembiso Malevu, Chief Executive Officer,...

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ABOUT US

 

In 1996, two young town planners from very different backgrounds reported for duty at a local municipality in Gauteng. Only two years had passed since the dawn of democracy in South Africa.

 

WHAT WE DO

 

Ranyaka works hand-in-hand with communities, local stakeholders, all levels of government and investors to develop and implement transformation strategies for towns and communities.

 

WHERE WE WORK

 

By mid-2020, Ranyaka will be working in 13 towns and neighbourhoods in 9 towns across seven provinces throughout South Africa. We focus mainly, but not exclusively, on under-resourced communities.