KAYAMANDI
WESTERN CAPE
Kayamandi never sleeps. The sound of a thousand conversations travels through the narrow, well-worn pathways between rows upon rows of makeshift homes, mingling along the way with the aroma of meat cooking on an open fire. Songs from a popular dinner theatre tell the stories of the past – and prophecy hope for a better future.
Kayamandi is a township in Stellenbosch boasting the best views in town. Nestled between a hill and the main route 308, space is at a premium. Residents have had to devise ingenious ways to create both shelter and business premises within this bustling urban settlement. The socio-economic challenges are numerous. The solutions are not simple. We hear stories that are heart-breaking – and as many that are truly inspiring. Here, we meet individuals whose strength of character is what is needed to change our country for the better.
R1 million milestone for PoMT COVID-19 relief
Over the past five months, the Proud of my Town (PoMT) programme has invested over R1 million towards a host of relief and recovery interventions in 13 communities across seven provinces. Ranyaka has been rolling out the multi-faceted PoMT programme in a growing...
From day zero to hero
How Day Zero inspired a Hero: The story of Asiphe ‘Sips’ Makhumalo - a young black woman, not only building a name for herself in a traditionally male-dominated water sector - but also a firecracker with a burning desire to see a greater representation of youth, in...
Joining forces to protect our children
Over the past few weeks, the Ranyaka team has had the privilege of working with several NGOs in Kayamandi to raise awareness around this year's Child Protection Week. This photo was taken at our first meeting and does not include everyone that now forms part of the...
Engineering solutions for real life challenges
Earlier this week, 400 engineering students from Stellenbosch University had the opportunity to take an up-close look at some of the practical challenges facing communities in and around the town.Three groups of third and fourth-year future engineers from various...
When shweshwe smells of success
The distinctive smell of freshly-starched Shweshe fabric greets visitors to Yeyethu Design studio in Kayamandi, Stellenbosch. So do broad smiles and an air of optimism and excitement. Because the dynamic duo behind Yeyethu, Bulelwa Tito and Lerato Mtiya, is going...
Building Business
Last year, we invited Stellenbosch-based entrepreneurs to come and show us their products and services, tell us their stories and share their dreams. It's been an exciting journey so far! Five of the entrepreneurs who attended our product showcase have been selected...