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Candid Sustainability Podcast

Candid Sustainability Podcast

Written by: Kabelo Rathobei
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The Candid Sustainability Podcast is a podcast about real conversations at the intersection of people, planet, and progress, hosted by me, Kabelo Rathobei.
In each episode I sit down with changemakers, practitioners, and everyday people doing extraordinary things in sustainability, from careers and climate finance to youth advocacy, renewable energy, and beyond. We keep it candid, we keep it honest. And we bring an African perspective to the global sustainability conversation, because Africa’s voice belongs at the centre of this dialogue not at the margins.

© 2026 Candid Sustainability Podcast
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Episodes
  • EP 9: The Spaza Survival Crisis
    May 18 2026

    Most of us have never stopped to think about the tiny spaza shops in South Africa’s townships hidden engines of resilience that tell a much bigger story about survival, injustice, and the future of local economies. These small, often overlooked businesses survived apartheid’s bans, carried communities through economic hardships, and now face an existential threat from corporate retail giants and government crackdowns. What does their fight for survival reveal about the true meaning of sustainability? And who really benefits when the rules are rewritten?In this eye-opening episode, Kabelo Rathobei takes you inside the complex world of South Africa’s spaza shops family-run microenterprises that are the heartbeat of poor communities. Discover how these shops, built during apartheid’s covert economy, have become a fragile symbol of economic resilience and social justice. As migration, foreign competition, and corporate giants enter the scene, these small businesses are under siege facing threats from zoning laws, food safety crackdowns, and ruthless expansion by multinationals. The story isn’t just about business; it’s about community survival in the face of systemic inequality.

    This episode hooks from the start with a vivid portrait of South Africa’s ubiquitous spaza shops, familiar yet powerful symbols of resilience. It uses concrete examples and recent crises to create urgency and relevance while weaving in broader questions about justice and sustainability. The targeted focus on community impact and systemic failures makes it compelling for listeners who care about social issues, small businesses, and equitable economic futures.

    Support the show

    Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

    Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

    Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

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    14 mins
  • EP 8: South Africa's Just Energy Transition: Rhetoric or Real Progress?
    May 4 2026

    South Africa’s paradox is staggering: a country with world-class solar and wind resources still grappling with 12 hours of daily load shedding and a coal dependency that’s over 80%. The disconnect between enormous clean energy potential and the reliance on coal for jobs and livelihoods exemplifies the complex reality of just energy transition. Are promises of a greener future just rhetoric, or can real progress be made without leaving communities behind?


    In this episode, Kabelo Rathobei dives into the heart of South Africa’s energy crisis, unpacking the struggles, successes, and tough decisions shaping its climate future. You’ll discover how initiatives like the Easigas clean cooking project are saving lives and reducing indoor pollution, why Sasol’s move towards green fuels marks a crucial but cautious shift for industry giants, and how private and community-led solar installations are igniting a bottom-up renewable revolutionall driven by load shedding the grid’s limits.


    We break down the nuanced tensions of the just transition, how to balance urgent power needs with long-term climate goals, and why delaying coal plant retirements worsens climate impacts while risking economic and social stability. Kabelo explains the risks of new fossil fuel projects, like natural gas and offshore oil exploration, which threaten to lock South Africa—and Africa—into decades of stranded assets. The episode highlights how decisions made today will reverberate across the continent, influencing regional power pools and climate justice for marginalized communities who bear the brunt of environmental harms.


    Most importantly, this isn’t just about South Africa—it's a blueprint for the whole continent. If the country’s transition falters, it could set back climate efforts across Africa; if it succeeds, it offers a model for equitable, sustainable growth. With a candid, African perspective, Kabelo emphasizes that progress and accountability must go hand in hand and that real community voices need seats at the table.

    Tune in for a powerful look at what it really takes to turn bold promises into tangible change and why South Africa’s story is pivotal to global climate justice.
    Perfect for climate advocates, policymakers, students, and anyone interested in how Africa is shaping its climate future—these struggles, solutions, and stakes are vital for all of us. Don’t miss this eye-opening episode of Candid Sustainability, where hope meets hard truth.

    Support the show

    Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

    Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

    Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

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    25 mins
  • EP 7: Carbon Markets in Africa
    Apr 20 2026

    In this episode of the Candid Sustainability Podcast, host Kabelo Rathobei engages in a conversation with Abdilahi Nuh, an engineer and founder of Presto Innovations. They explore the intricacies of carbon markets, focusing on Africa's pivotal role. Abdilahi discusses his work in carbon removal through biochar, a method that transforms invasive species into carbon-rich material to restore arid lands. The discussion highlights the potential benefits and risks of carbon markets, emphasizing the need for transparency and community involvement. Abdilahi also addresses misconceptions about arid lands and shares insights on making carbon markets more equitable. The episode encourages listeners to rethink carbon markets and engage in informed discussions.

    Support the show

    Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

    Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

    Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

    Show More Show Less
    15 mins
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