WE HARNESS THE POWER OF COLLABORATION AND ACTIVE CITIZENRY TO CO-CREATE THRIVING COMMUNITIES.
Ranyaka was established as a non-profit, urban planning consultancy in 2013 to develop transformative strategies for towns and neighbourhoods. We work hand-in-hand with residents, civil society entities, faith-based institutions, business, all levels of government, academic institutions and local change agents to co-create places where people can prosper – in every sense of the word. We are currently (2024) working in 33 communities in 15 towns in 8 provinces across South Africa – implementing 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.
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...
Maths matters
Too many children are reluctant to take pure maths as a school subject. This can close doors to potential study and career opportunities. Parents and educators need to be encouraging children to break away from the misconception that maths is only for some and not...
Advocating for positive change
When multiple role players gather around a common agenda, we can achieve so much more. Harnessing collective strength to achieve collective impact is one of the key objectives of the Stellenbosch Civil Advocacy Network (SCAN). The network recently held a session for...
A boost for crèche safety in Stellenbosch
Twenty principals from Stellenbosch and surrounds received brand-new fire extinguishers and safety signage for their Early Childhood Development (ECD) centres on Friday. Each classroom in every one of these crèches will now have its own fire extinguisher - helping to...
The day our story started
Twenty three years ago, two young town planners reported for duty at the Midrand Metropolitan Local Council in Gauteng on the same day. Johan Olivier and William Bila became colleagues, friends and in 2005, business partners when they opened the doors to their own...
Congratulations, Principal Frans!
We're jumping for joy with Mr Ronald Frans, the formidable principal of Klapmuts Primary School in the Western Cape. Mr Frans received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to nation building and shaping society at the 19th Annual National Teaching...
Stacking stones
One of the topics raised at a community meeting in Lantana, Paarl today, was that of stones. Too many stones and rocks lying around in the streets, on the sidewalks, on the playground. So the question arose: What does one do with so many stones? One could carry them...
More children enjoy a safer space
Fifteen volunteers from Stellenbosch and Kayamandi joined the Ranyaka team on Saturday to paint Lillies' Crèche. The crèche was painted with special fire-retardant paint in December. This weekend, we added a bright top coat. The fire-retardant (intumescent) paint...
Boosting tourism in Magaliesburg
Tourism destinations, guest houses, hotels and restaurants in Magaliesburg, Gauteng are set to benefit from The Cradle Tourism Company's marketing plans for the year. Cradle Tourism is an independent non-profit company which was created to help drive tourism in this...
Celebrating change agents | Siena Charles
This week, we celebrate the contribution that Siena Charles is making in the community of Kylemore, Stellenbosch. Siena celebrated her birthday earlier this week - Siena, we wish you a blessed new life year! Siena Charles is well-known amongst her fellow Kylemore...
Equipping local entrepreneurs for sustained success
We're incredibly proud of our ten entrepreneurs who successfully completed the Ranyaka Enterprise Development Academy last week! The five-day, intensive training programme was presented in partnership with the Stellenbosch Municipality, facilitated by entrepreneurship...
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.