Ace Moloi

For Ace Moloi, 33, words have always been the passport to possibility. Growing up in Sekgutlong village in Qwa-Qwa, an apartheid-era homeland, his mother couldn’t afford a television — but she filled their home with books and magazines, sparking Ace’s love for storytelling. “I travelled the world through literature,” he reflects. Ace is a copywriter for the Market Theatre Foundation. His passion for words, however, extends far beyond marketing copy. At just 25, Ace secured a publishing deal with Jacana Media’s Blackbird Books for his critically acclaimed novel Holding My Breath, which propelled him onto national literary stages and festival platforms. He also co-founded Art State, the Free State’s only dedicated arts journal. Ace’s resume reveals a deep commitment to nurturing others. He served as a creative writing consultant at the University of the Free State and leads men’s well-being sessions, fostering honest conversations among men. He also manages SAMA-nominated Afro-soul singer  S’nazo, blending publicity expertise with a passion for the arts. Ace believes every word counts. “I’m only as good as my most recent work,” he says.

Bachelor of Arts in Communication Science (majoring in Corporate and Marketing Communications), University of the Free State.

• Project Editor – Sunday World Unsung Heroes: Led the flagship youth celebration project for two years, overseeing sponsored project requirements, client specifications, team management, design collaboration and editorial direction.
• Project Lead – Sunday World Heroic Women: Directed a project dedicated to honouring women of all identities, ages, races and backgrounds.
• Author – Holding My Breath: Published at age 25 by Jacana Media’s Blackbird Books imprint; achieved commercial and critical success, received rave reviews, sold thousands of copies nationwide, attended prestigious literary festivals and secured national media coverage.
• Co-founder & Editor – Art State: Established the Free State’s only dedicated arts journal in 2017, documenting the creative work of Free State artists through articles, features, critiques and reviews.
• Creative Writing Consultant – University of the Free State (2018–2019): Conducted student writing workshops culminating in a published book co-edited with Dr Peet van Aardt; developed editing expertise, learned to work with diverse writing styles and honed presentation skills.

I admire Radio 2000 presenter Justice “Just Ice” Ramohlola for his ability to simplify radio without compromising its depth. He is one of the few remaining radio heads who truly worship the medium and understand its purpose. I look up to former president Thabo Mbeki for his ideas of a new Africa and his sharp political communication skills. His writings have shaped the young communicator in me.