A proud son of Kroonstad, Moses Alphons Kaunyana Kau (62), continues to bring honour to the town through a distinguished career in public service, diplomacy and literature. Kau, who now resides in Bloemfontein, was born and raised in Kroonstad.
He began his schooling at the St Peter Clavers Roman Catholic Primary School, where his talents extended beyond the classroom to music, serving as the school pianist.
He later attended the Kananelo Secondary School and Bodibeng High School, laying a strong educational foundation. He went on to study law at the University of the Western Cape (UWC), where he obtained a Bachelor of Jurisprudence degree. He is currently completing a Master of Laws in International Criminal Law, with graduation expected in June 2026.
International studies and training
Over the years, Kau has strengthened his expertise through international training, including diplomatic studies in Pretoria and advanced diplomatic training in Islamabad, Pakistan.
His knowledge of international relations has been further enhanced through programmes in eSwatini, Zimbabwe and Austria, as well as studies in Spanish, Portuguese and German. His professional journey has seen him serve in a variety of roles. He began working in student advisory positions at the UWC and the University of Cape Town (UCT), before moving into the legal field as a State Prosecutor in the Western Cape.
He later represented South Africa abroad, serving in Mozambique, Botswana and Germany as part of his diplomatic career. Kau has also held several senior government positions, including director of co-operative governance in the Free State Premier’s Office and chief director for international health liaison at the National Department of Health. He further contributed at a continental level as programme manager for the African Ministers’ Council on Water in Abuja, Nigeria. Until May 2024, he served as th head of intergovernmental relations in the Free State Premier’s Office.
Contribution to literature
Kau is also a published author whose works focus on personal experiences, governance, and South Africa’s development.
His books include A Life Worth Living – Trials and Tribulations (2018), Protocol, Allegiance, Patriotism and Solidarity (2020), and South Africa’s Foreign Policy: Evolution from Apartheid to Post-Apartheid Democratic Dispensation (2022). His more recent publications explore South Africa’s national symbols, public holidays and the role of international students in the Free State. He is currently working on a book regarding his late mother, Conradine Sarah Tati Kau (Phooko), who recently passed away, and another documenting the premiers of the Free State since 1994. Those familiar with his work say his writing reflects his wide-ranging experience and deep understanding of South Africa’s journey.
By combining his background in law, governance and diplomacy, Kau tells stories that highlight the challenges and progress of the nation. From humble beginnings to an influential presence on the international stage, Kau remains an example of how dedication and education can open doors beyond one’s hometown, while still staying connected to it.
