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 (2025) 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
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...
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...
Building a thriving Umlazi: From gogos on the field to changemakers in action
When purpose meets play“It’s not just soccer — it’s healing, joy, and belonging.”– Gogo Duduzile Buthelezi In the vibrant township of Umlazi, KwaZulu-Natal, the heartbeat of community life continues to grow stronger, powered by passion, unity, and purpose. Here,...
Places that shape: Inspiring tomorrow’s leaders today
The future of every nation is held within the fragile hands of its children. How else can we build the future? In the end, all the greatest monuments of a nation, its structures, streets, and systems, would be left empty without the people that inhabit them, and most...
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,...
From listening to lasting change: inside Ranyaka’s co-creation model
Listening is where every one of our journeys at Ranyaka begins. Sometimes it’s a cup of coffee with a community leader. Sometimes it’s a room filled with people, colourful Koki pens, maps and ideas. Both moments matter. Because trust is built in conversation. And...
Mangaung: Breathing new life into Bloemfontein’s inner city
Since its launch on 14 November 2024, the St George’s Precinct Plan in Mangaung has blossomed into a bold, city-wide vision: the Bloemfontein CBD Regeneration Programme. What began as a focused effort to refresh a single precinct has inspired something much bigger,...
Rooted in purpose: Who we work with and why
In the complex landscape of community development, where challenges are many and solutions rarely simple, Ranyaka remains steadfast in our purpose. We are here to do the work. It is often complicated, emotional, and nuanced. But it is vital. Clear and consistent...
Thriving starts here: When women say yes to themselves
The power of showing upThere is something deeply powerful about a group of women gathering, not just to talk, but to walk, reflect, laugh, dream, and heal together. That’s exactly what has unfolded over the past few months in Paarl at the Mountain Ridge Estate, where...
Klapmuts – a journey of partnership, progress and possibility
A small gathering at a school library in early 2016 marked the beginning of Ranyaka's journey in the community of Klapmuts. Fifteen residents and stakeholders met to discuss a shared vision for the area, laying the groundwork for future planning and development. This...
Strengthening local heroes for lasting impact
In every community across South Africa, passionate individuals and organisations are driving meaningful change. We journey with these local heroes every day – and as a non-profit organisation working side-by-side with our implementation partners, we understand the...
Darling: A journey of trust and transformation
Darling, in the Western Cape, has set a bold vision: to become the country’s first green, resilient, and inclusive town. Getting there will require a foundation of trust, strategic partnerships, and strong community engagement.
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.