WE CO-CREATE STRONGER PLACES AND THRIVING ECONOMIES.
Ranyaka is a South African non-profit organisation and professional Place-Based Practice working with communities, businesses, municipalities, funders and other partners to strengthen the places where people live, learn, work and do business.
Developed over more than a decade of on-the-ground practice, our THRIVE Framework grew from the conviction that lasting transformation requires a different approach: one that puts people, place and collaborative partnerships at the centre. The four pillars of THRIVE, Clubs, Hubs, Networks and a shared Platform, are some of the key mechanisms through which the framework takes shape in practice.
We bring people, knowledge, investment and practical solutions together to strengthen the economic, social and environmental conditions that help places become more productive, resilient and regenerative.
By the end of 2025, our work had reached 38 communities across 15 towns in 8 provinces in South Africa. This includes our role as national implementation agent for the Nedbank-funded Proud of My Town programme.
WE WORK WITH
PLACES
The place is our starting point.
No two places are the same. Every community has its own relationships, assets, businesses, institutions, challenges and opportunities.
We start by understanding the place – bringing together different disciplines, partners and resources around one shared purpose:
HELPING A PLACE FUNCTION BETTER,
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 which is a prime example of Ranyaka’s place-based framework and smart investment in action.
SMART INVESTMENT LOOKS BEYOND ISOLATED INTERVENTIONS.
Building confidence and community: the story of Elate Beauty
With her bright, beautiful smile and sunny personality, Sanelisiwe Kanqu wants nothing more than to make her clients feel confident and happy. A qualified somatologist, her goal is to offer inclusive, affordable beauty and spa services to a diverse clientele through...
Crocheted dreams: How Captain Fabulous is building a thriving business
For Itumeleng Molopo, crocheting has been an important part of her life growing up, and now again in her adult life as means to provide for her family. As a child, it helped her steer away from negative influences such as teenage pregnancies, drug abuse, and crime so...
Building a legacy in beauty and catering
Herminah Mentoro's entrepreneurial journey speaks of passion and perseverance. Hailing from Boitekong township in Rustenburg, Herminah's love for beauty began in her youth. "As a child, I was captivated by fashion magazines and lifestyle shows, experimenting with...
Fueling change in the automotive realm
When Sbusiso Mngomezulu and Mandisa Xulu started their business, Alcophylex (Pty) Ltd in Mamelodi township in 2020, they never expected their journey to be so rewarding. Their business, an automotive paint centre, provides a profitable outlet for their mutual love for...
From scalp to success: The journey of Goapele Organic Essentials
Boitumelo Setuke's journey to becoming the founder of Goapele Organic Essentials is a testament to her resilience and determination. As an electrician by profession, she never imagined becoming an entrepreneur. But her struggles with skin issues and her son's...
Reinventing success: the Soloman Mabuse story
It has been more than a decade since Soloman Mabuse first opened the doors to Daiman Records Distributors in Mamelodi, Gauteng in 2013. With a certificate from the Film and Publication Board, his business operations were initially focused on the sales and distribution...
Cultivating connections: from green fingers to thriving business
This story is, at its core, about connection and collaboration. Networks unlock partnerships, leverage skills, and amplify impact across communities. When we link individuals and communities through shared goals and resources, we create resilient futures. We drive...
Introducing the Sandwich King of Boitekong
"In my kitchen, I create more than just sandwiches – I craft experiences. Every ingredient, every spice, every layer is a deliberate attempt to tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving for more." – Boikanyo Tirelo Boikanyo's Kitchen, nestled in the heart of...
The heart of Kasilam Wear: Samkela Mhlakaza’s entrepreneurial journey
Humble beginnings proved to be no obstacle in the entrepreneurial journey of Samkela "Teddy" Mhlakaza. Today, Samkela is the Managing Director of Kasilam Wear, a clothing company based in Kayamandi township in Stellenbosch, Western Cape. With his warm, friendly, and...
In pursuit of digital empowerment: the Swazi Connection story
Kopane Mabasa is the driving force behind The Swazi Connection, a business centered on technology and community. His business journey consists of a mix of different experiences. With a background in Information Technology (IT) and telecommunication, he has held...
Resilience and flavour: how Dado Foodies became a catering powerhouse
Maropeng Madumo’s entrepreneurial spirit started to blossom at a very young age. She was in grade 3 when she discovered that her mom’s passion for selling was contagious. She soon joined her mother in vending sweets and snacks at school – planting the seeds of...
Building dreams and balustrades: The inspiring journey of Thomas Maila
Giving up is not an option for Thomas Maila. Hailing from Mamelodi township in Tshwane, Gauteng, Thomas started MNM Stainless Steel Art and Projects in July 2012 after he found himself stepping away from the corporate world. Starting his own business was a bold move,...
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.