Radifadi Mamabolo

Radifadi Mamabolo is a seasoned rock engineering specialist – his work is essential to the mining industry. He designs excavation methods and stability systems that ensure safety underground and on the surface. His work integrates artificial intelligence and real-time monitoring to mitigate geotechnical risks. His expertise helped develop a sinkhole detection and rehabilitation model, used in the Northern Cape and endorsed by the department of mineral resources and energy. And he has presented his research globally. Radifadi’s election as treasurer of the Northern Cape branch of the South African Institute of Rock  Engineering reflects both technical credibility and peer recognition. Beyond engineering, Radifadi is a community builder. He founded  Pontsho Ya Lesedi, a nonprofit supporting vulnerable households and youth, and co-founded the Sanitary Towels & Deodorants Campaign, reaching schools across South Africa. Through his Chef Radi’s Cookout initiative, he uses food to foster cultural pride and fund essential donations. The rock engineer’s recipes have been published in international cookbooks.

• Bachelor of Science honours in Geology and Chemistry, University of Limpopo 
• Course in Advanced Mechanics of Solids, University of the Witwatersrand
• Strata control certificate, Minerals Council South Africa
• Rock mechanics exam papers – P1, P2 and P3.4, Minerals Council South Africa
• Diploma in slope stability in soils and rocks, International Geotechnical Center (Peru) – (*in progress – two months remaining)

• Co-developed a sinkhole detection and rehabilitation model now in use in the Northern Cape and adopted by several neighbouring mines; received formal approval from the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy.
• Presented at a continental conference (attended by delegates from Africa, Brazil and Spain) on integrating AI and advanced monitoring technologies for early detection of ground instability to enable timely evacuations and tailored mitigation strategies.
• Presented a paper on the stability of dumps and tailings dams, addressing incidents involving these structures and advocating the use of real-time monitoring systems and satellite-based radar to validate design performance and material behaviour.
• Elected Treasurer of the Northern Cape branch of the South African Institute of Rock Engineering, marking recognition from industry peers.
• Culinary recognition – two original food recipes featured in the first Amarula Cookbook (sold internationally) and in the inaugural Limpopo Guide Magazine, endorsed by the Limpopo Travel & Tourism Department.

I look up to my mother; her resilience, strength and patience in raising us motivate me to push myself even harder. If she could thrive despite her circumstances, then failing in my career and business journey is simply not an option. It would also be a disappointment to the incredible mentors who support me spiritually, professionally and on a personal level.