


FIX YOUR SPACE
“Because place has such power to shape, we must be mindful of how we shape our places.” These words by Doug Sikkema emphasise the importance of creating and maintaining physical environments that contribute to our physical, mental, emotional, as well as social well-being.
As an urban planning enterprise, Ranyaka is passionate about implementing place-making projects that give communities a sense of place where they can celebrate local culture. Rapid repair projects or tactical urbanism, as these interventions are known, are all about creating safe and inclusive physical spaces where people can prosper – in every sense of the word.
These projects could include anything from cleaning a park, painting a feature wall, putting up a new fence, creating a community sidewalk garden or placing creative seating in a communal area where residents can gather. Fix Your Space projects build community pride, encourage social cohesion and a sense of local ownership and can even reduce crime. Because clean, safe spaces change the investment sentiment around an area, these projects could also create opportunities for investment by or contributions from local businesses.
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...
Paintball with a purpose: The Ghost Paintball story
What began as a non-profit initiative to give survivors of gender-based violence a functional way to release their stress and anger has evolved into a thriving paintball business for Martin Mokapala, founder of Ghost Paintball in Mamelodi. From humble beginnings as a...
Fixing spaces, inspiring futures: Transforming Early Childhood Development centres
I remember a particular day when I walked into our local hardware store with my youngest son at my side. He was 11 years old at the time. Hardware stores have that distinctive smell – a mixture of paint, chemicals, wood and cement. I commented on it and my son,...
Standing with survivors
Victims of sensitive crimes are often left feeling helpless, isolated and vulnerable. In many cases, the process of reporting these crimes to the authorities can exacerbate these feelings, especially in environments that are not conducive to comfort and...
Unlocking opportunities for urban food systems
“More than with any other of our biological needs, the choices we make around food affect the shape, style, pulse, smell, look, feel, health, economy, street life and infrastructure of the city” 1 The Umlazi Food Network is an inspirational community-led project that...
After the storm – Proud of my Town supports KZN
Hope amidst the havoc – Proud of my Town responds to the KwaZulu-Natal flooding crisisThe devastating floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest natural disasters to ever hit the province. Entire...