

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.
Our elders deserve our best
The elderly are amongst the most vulnerable members of society. Sadly, physical neglect and psychological abuse of the aged is far more common than one realises. Addressing this issue, Yomelela Club, a senior citizens organisation in Zwide, hosted an Elderly Awareness...
Community safety matters
Have you ever come up with a great idea for a community project, only to see it fail because of crime in the area? A plan and practical measures are vital to ensure that safety forms part of any plan to bring positive change to your community. In Umlazi, Durban, the...
Klapmuts celebrates Youth Day
Youth Day 2022 saw young and old gather for a jam-packed programme in Klapmuts in the Western Cape. Some 250 energetic community members ensured that adrenaline levels were at an all-time high with activities ranging from netball, soccer, a marathon, “boere sport”...
Simply brilliant soccer
Over 200 young soccer enthusiasts participated in a two-day boot camp in Umlazi, Durban on 16 and 17 July 2022 and learnt that becoming a professional soccer player is about so much more than scoring goals! The Brilliant Khuzwayo Schools Bootcamp and Tournament took...
Building business in Umlazi
If you run your own business, you know that it can be a tough journey. A lonely one, even. Even if you know your product or service well, there is still so much to learn, so many things to consider and many micro and small business owners simply do not have the...
Building safer communities
One cannot build a thriving community without building a safe community. In every town where we work across South Africa, community safety arises as one of key pain points. How can people thrive in every sense of the word if they do not feel safe where they live,...
After the storm – Proud of my Town supports KZN
Hope amidst the havoc – Proud of my Town responds to the KwaZulu-Natal flooding crisisThe devastating floods that ravaged KwaZulu-Natal in April 2022 will undoubtedly go down in history as one of the greatest natural disasters to ever hit the province. Entire...
Truly proud of Mankweng
Three years ago, our team embarked on a journey with the community of Mankweng, Polokwane. To envision a brighter future and together, work to implement practical projects that would improve the quality of life of Mankweng’s residents.Earlier this month (April 2022),...
Spreading our wings in Polokwane
Transforming communities is not a solo expedition. It takes a team, a shared vision and a willingness to collaborate. In Polokwane, we are excited about the buy-in from community members and local stakeholders – the real drivers of change on the ground.Earlier this...
When life gives you tomatoes, make hot sauce!
Two tonnes of tomatoes land on your doorstep. What do you do? This isn’t a riddle. This is what happened in March 2022 in Magaliesburg when a Men’s Forum meeting at the Nedbank-funded community activation hub received a generous donation of mixed-grade tomatoes from...
Reimagining our places
How do you feel when you walk down the street where you live? Inspired? Welcomed? Safe? Or perhaps you feel gloomy and anxious? Maybe you haven’t even really thought about this. What about your business areas, schools, parks or pieces of open land? It’s simple,...
Growing for green
A wise horticulturalist once said: “A garden is a grand teacher. It teaches patience and careful watchfulness; it teaches industry and thrift; above all, it teaches entire trust.” The children at Licebo Early Childhood Development (ECD) centre in Umlazi township in...
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.