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.
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...
From job loss to mobile spa success: Onicah Theledi’s inspiring journey
Three years ago, Onicah Theledi began a new journey as an entrepreneur by turning her love for wellness into a business. The story of Optimal Balance Mobile Spa speaks of resilience, commitment, and a strong desire to heal.Onicah was a massage therapist and...
A word from our CEO
In navigating the tumultuous landscape of South Africa, both politically and socio-economically, we acknowledge the prevailing sentiment of uncertainty about the country's future. However, at Ranyaka, we consciously opt for an alternative outlook; not from naivety,...
Co-creating safer communities
A small group of unarmed women patrol the streets of a neighbourhood where the sound of gunshots rings out at night. A team gathers in the make-shift corrugated iron structure that is home to the ‘boardroom’ where they plan both safety and sports activities for their...
Reliving Mamelodi’s glory days
“I am 78 years old. Today, I felt 25.” We just love the way in which these words by a distinguished gentleman from Mamelodi, Gauteng, captured the spirit of the very first Van Toeka Af Festival held in the township on Saturday, 11 November 2023. The festival set the...
Creating a safer Mamelodi
Community safety is a crucial concern in neighbourhoods across South Africa. Tackling the challenge requires a proactive approach – including the training and equipping of residents to actively engage in their own safety initiatives. Empowering individuals not only...
Local NGOs connect and collaborate at Mamelodi Expo
In the heart of Mamelodi, where the spirit of community thrives, NGOs play a vital role in making a positive impact. These organisations are unsung heroes, working tirelessly to uplift and empower the local community.The Mamelodi Expo for NGOs took place on 22...
Umlazi market day brings community together
Markets hold a special place in our hearts. They bring communities together and offer a platform for local entrepreneurs to shine. On Saturday, September 30th, the Proud of My Town Umlazi team, in collaboration with Umlazi Tourism, continued their mission to foster...
Welcoming new board members
It gives us great pleasure to introduce to you Phindile Khulu and David Mandaha - our two new Ranyaka board members! Phindile and David bring with them a wealth of expertise, insight and wisdom, and we are thrilled to welcome them to our team.More about Phindile and...
Young voices, big impact
In June 2023, the first Young Voices, Big Impact Climate Action Youth Seminar took place in Tshwane with the purpose of encouraging active citizenry among youth in the climate change space and fostering cross-sectoral collaboration to achieve real progress in the...
Mamelodi businesses take the limelight
“Without prosperous local economies, the people have no power and the land no voice.” – Wendell Berry, novelist and farmerOn 30 June 2022, the second cohort of the Ranyaka Building Business Programme in Mamelodi came together to celebrate the incredible milestones...
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...
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.