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.
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,...
Thirsty for success: the story of Dinah Setati
Dinah Setati has always had a good head for business. She paid her own school fees by providing a hairdressing service to local community members and, after working in retail for a while after matriculating, decided to pursue her true calling. Dinah founded Deelera...
Illuminating futures: Marry Chauke’s solar revolution
Growing up in Soshanguve, a place with many challenges, ignited Marry Chauke's passion for business. Raised by a strong single mother, she understood the struggles of living without electricity. Her goal is to give her community a brighter future, where a lack of...
Sweat equity: the entrepreneurial journey of Fit Muntuza
When Constance Kubheka embarked on her entrepreneurial journey, she was fuelled by a mission close to her heart. As a fitness professional, she understands the importance of regular exercise and is working to promote fun fitness activities to her community in Mamelodi...
When creative sparks fly: the story of Nkanyiso Nyuswa
When Nkanyiso Nyuswa was growing up, he dreamt of becoming an electrician. But dreams don’t always come true – and sometimes that’s a good thing. The stories of so many successful business owners teach us that when our life journeys demand a U-turn, things might turn...
From idea to impact: Lindiwe’s quest for clean water
Lindiwe Masango knows what it is like to live without access to clean drinking water. Living in Mamelodi township in the province of Gauteng, this is a reality for many residents. After working in the corporate world for over a decade, Lindiwe Masango was more than...
Fuelling success: the Ntanto Gas journey
The journey of Ntanto Gas started in December 2016 when Mzomuhle Mzimela started a business to leave a legacy for his family. When he passed away in 2019, his daughter, Zama, stepped in to ensure that her father’s dream lived on.For Zama, this was about more than...
Where tea, taste and tradition meet: the Mavusana story
Born and raised in Stellenbosch, Vusi Mokoena is the youngest of five children. In his community, Rooibos tea is not just a beverage; it is a beloved tradition passed down from generation to generation, from his grandmother to his mother, and now to Vusi.Vusi's...
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.