TUT journalism alum’s impressive rise from QwaQwa to the newsroom

In world of misinformation, fast headlines, and social media noise, Herman Moloi is one of the most consistent journalists unearthing unique stories and amplifying those often unheard.

Sowetan Newspaper journalist, Herman Moloi. Hailing from QwaQwa, Herman enrolled for a Diploma in Journalism at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT) in 2020.

For Herman, storytelling is more than a profession, it is participation in society.

“One starts conversations that make people reflect, speak out and sometimes even change their lives. When a story moves someone to act, that’s when you know it mattered.”

Over the years, he has witnessed the power of journalism first-hand. The good stories he has told have changed people’s lives. The difficult ones have carried their own impact, sometimes opening a new and positive chapter for someone facing hardship.

“We have also told painful stories, but even those can bring awareness and solutions. Impact doesn’t always look happy, sometimes it looks like accountability,” he said.

While journalism is not always financially glamorous, the feedback he receives from readers keeps him grounded and motivated. “You don’t always smile when you walk into the bank,” he says candidly, “but when someone calls you and says, ‘Your story helped me,’ the feeling is priceless. That is the real reward.”

Herman started his career at Tshwane News, a weekly publication, where he was named editor within just a few weeks.

He later moved to NMA, where he spread his wings, covering national stories and testing his capabilities and strengths for a year. “At NMA, I was exposed to bigger stories and bigger pressure. It pushed me to grow. I learned to trust my instincts and to ask the tough questions.”

He then joined Sowetan, where he has been for nearly three years, building a reputation for impactful and credible reporting. “Being at Sowetan has been a great journey. I have seen the impact my work has made in people’s lives. There are stories I have written that left me feeling like I wasn’t even the one who wrote them because of how deeply they affected me.”

Beyond print journalism, Herman, together with Koena Mashale, ventured into podcasting in a highly competitive space, earning recognition at the inaugural South African Podcast Awards in 2024. The podcast SL won both gold and bronze medals. “Podcasting opened a new dimension for me,” he says. “In a space where everyone has a platform, accuracy sets you apart. You must make sure everything you share is factual. That is non-negotiable.”

Herman stands firmly on the principles of accuracy and accountability. “As journalists, we respect our jobs, our sources and our consumers. We verify. We call officials. We double-check. We operate within professional standards because credibility is everything.”

He believes journalism is about public trust. “Once people stop trusting you, you have lost everything. So, you guard that trust with your life.”

To first-year journalism students, Herman offers honest and direct advice. “If you are going into journalism for money, forget about it. This career is about passion. It is about loving stories and loving people.”

“There will be challenges, but every career has challenges. What will carry you through is your passion. Always look out for what’s happening around you. Stay curious. Ask questions. Read more. Listen more,” he added.

The greatest lesson journalism has taught him is about humanity. “Journalism taught me that life is unfair in certain areas,” he reflected. “You meet people who are struggling in ways you can’t imagine. It changes how you see the world. It teaches you to be kind.”