Kabelo Rathobei is a sustainability researcher, speaker, podcast producer, and consultant passionate about transforming how industries engage with communities and the environment. She is currently pursuing a PhD at Luleå University of Technology in Sweden, focusing on corporate sustainability management and social acceptance in the mining industry.With a background that spans Environmental Management and a Master's in Sustainable Mining and Remediation Management, Kabelo brings a unique interdisciplinary approach to sustainable business transformation, stakeholder engagement, and inclusive development.She is the co-founder of Nala Consultancy and Projects, a consultancy that helps organisations embed sustainability principles into their strategies, with a strong focus on social and environmental responsibility.Her research has been published in journals like The Extractive Industries and Society and Business Strategy and the Environment. Kabelo has moderated and hosted international events such as the Global Engineering Symposium, GeoMining Forum and GreenEST Summit, and has consulted for organisations including Watergenics GmbH.She also co-produces and hosts several podcasts, including:🎙The Crucible (SAIMM)
🎙 Candid Sustainability
🎙 Shared ReflectionsKabelo is a member of the SAIMM Diversity and Inclusion Committee and several working groups on equality and inclusion, and actively contributes to building inclusive sustainability narratives across borders.Through her research, consulting, and storytelling, Kabelo advocates for sustainability that is not only environmental but deeply social, cultural, and grounded in community well-being.

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Kabelo has moderated discussions and presented her research at several high-level international forums and conferences, including:Corporate Responsibility Research Conference (CRRC) – Research presentation (England)Global Engineering Symposium – Moderator (Azerbaijan)Geomining Forum – Moderator (Azerbaijan)GreenEST Summit – Host (Estonia)Learn and Hack Tartu – Mentor (Estonia)SAIMM Webinars & Panels – Frequent moderator and podcast contributor through The Crucible (South Africa)She speaks on topics such as stakeholder integration, inclusive sustainability, responsible mining, and social licensing to operate and cross-cultural approaches to sustainability aimed engagement.

Kabelo is the creator, host, and co-producer of several thought-provoking podcasts that explore the intersections of sustainability, identity, community, and belonging. Through storytelling and critical conversations, her podcasts amplify underrepresented voices in sustainability and corporate spaces.The Crucible (SAIMM)Produced in collaboration with the Southern African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, The Crucible delves into current challenges and innovations in the mining sector. Kabelo co-produces and contributes to conversations on sustainability, diversity, and the future of mining.Shared Reflections
A podcast rooted in lived experience. Kabelo explores life in the diaspora, academic journeys, inclusion, and what it means to belong across cultures. This show blends personal stories with critical insight, especially for those navigating professional spaces far from home.Candid Sustainability
A raw and honest podcast unpacking what sustainability really means, beyond corporate jargon. Kabelo shares personal reflections, interviews change-makers, and explores how social justice, cultural context, and community values shape the sustainability journey.

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As co-founder of Nala Consultancy and Projects, Kabelo provides tailored sustainability consulting services with a focus on:Stakeholder engagement strategyCorporate social responsibility integrationSustainability reporting supportCommunity-centred sustainability approachesEnvironmental and social due diligenceShe has consulted for companies such as Watergenics GmbH and on projects such as MineLearn, and collaborates with research institutions, industry actors, and NGOs to build sustainability strategies that are both scientifically sound and socially inclusive.

Kabelo’s research focuses on corporate sustainability management, stakeholder engagement, and value creation in the mining industry. Her work is published in peer-reviewed journals and contributes to global conversations on sustainable business models and social acceptance in extractive industries.Publications:
Rathobei, K. E., Ranängen, H., & Lindman, Å. (2024). Exploring broad value creation in mining: Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder management in practice.
The Extractive Industries and Society, 17. Read hereRathobei, K. E., Ranängen, H., & Lindman, Å. (2024). Stakeholder integration in sustainable business models to enhance value delivery for a broader range of stakeholders.
Business Strategy and the Environment, 33(4), 3687–3706. Read hereRathobei, K. E. (2024). Corporate Sustainability Management for Social Acceptance.
Licentiate Thesis, Luleå University of Technology. View thesis🔗 See full list via ORCID iD

Would you like me to come speak at or moderate your event? or maybe collaborate on a podcast episode?Whatever it is, Get in touch!

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Reach me at [email protected]

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