By Saul Molobi
Dr Kagiso Kg Moloi was born in 1971 in Charterston, Nigel, east of Johannesburg, at a time when South Africa was firmly under the grip of apartheid. His early childhood was shaped by the brutal realities of forced removals when, in 1974, his family — like many Black South Africans — was displaced to Duduza Township. These formative experiences instilled in him an early understanding of injustice, resilience, and the necessity of self-determination.
He began his formal schooling in 1977, later attending Esibonelwesihle Senior Secondary School in Duduza. By 1984, while still a learner, he was already politically conscious and active, joining the Congress of South African Students (COSAS), which championed the powerful rallying cry: “Freedom Before Education.” This period was marked by deep personal loss when his brother, Lucky Mogodi, fell victim to apartheid’s violent machinery — killed by zero-timed grenades deployed by apartheid death squads under the notorious Eugene de Kock. This tragedy etched an indelible mark on Dr Moloi’s life, further solidifying his resolve to rise, survive, and serve.
He matriculated in 1989 from St Luke’s Senior College in Kyalami, Midrand, emerging into adulthood at the threshold of South Africa’s democratic transition.
The Hustle Years: Survival, Grit, and Enterprise
Dr Moloi enrolled for a National Diploma in Medical Laboratory Technology at Technikon Witwatersrand (now the University of Johannesburg), spending a semester at Technikon Northern Transvaal (TNT) in Soshanguve. During this period, he lived in Hillbrow, at the Sands Hotel on O’Reilley Road — an environment that sharpened his street wisdom and entrepreneurial instinct.
Unable to immediately secure employment after completing his diploma, Dr Moloi refused defeat. Instead, he embodied the spirit of the Royal Hustler. He worked underground as a Zama-Zama in the abandoned mines of the Witwatersrand Gold Belt, a dangerous but necessary means of survival. Concurrently, he explored entrepreneurship —opening a hair salon, working as a hairstylist and barber, purchasing a taxi, and co-owning a vegetable business with his lifelong friend Phoka Motaung. Together, they sold produce at men’s hostels in Duduza and Vlakfontein Mine, a venture that dated back to their school years.
After two years of relentless hustle, Dr Moloi made a defining decision: to return to university — this time with purpose, clarity, and self-funded determination.
The Calling: Dentistry and Leadership
In 1994, Dr Moloi enrolled for a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) at the University of the Western Cape, a demanding five-and-a-half-year programme. During this historic period, he proudly voted in South Africa’s first democratic elections, casting his ballot in Ntanga East, near the university residence.
At UWC, he emerged not only as a scholar but also as a leader — serving as a SASCO activist, SRC member, Chairperson of the Dental Students’ Association, and a voice for transformation within higher education. During university holidays, he worked as a factory labourer at Marley Flooring in Nigel, where his father was employed, ensuring financial sustainability throughout his studies.
He graduated in June 1999 and returned to Duduza Township, determined to give back by opening his own dental surgery. However, harsh economic realities, limited funding support, and systemic barriers forced him to rethink his path.
Beyond Borders: Namibia and Regional Impact
Dr Moloi relocated to Namibia, where his professional journey flourished. He joined Dr Nelson Herunga at Oshakati Dental Practice, later moving to Windhoek, where he practiced in Katutura while also serving Rehoboth Dental Practice. During this period, he further sharpened his managerial acumen, graduating cum laude with a Higher Certificate in Project Management from Damelin Management School.
From 2004 to 2006, he worked at Rhino Park Dental Practice, before joining a regional group practice — Drs Aluteni, Moloi & Zulu Dental Practices — operating across Ondangwa, Rundu, Grootfontein, and extending into Lubango, Angola.
In 2009, Dr Moloi earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Dental Implantology from the University of the Western Cape. Earlier, in 2008, he had also completed a Certificate in Photography, reflecting his creative and multidimensional personality.
Ownership, Specialisation, and Excellence
In 2015, Dr Moloi made a landmark move by purchasing his own property — Kagiso House, located at 74 John Meinert Street, Windhoek West. That same year, he travelled to Phoenix, Arizona (USA), where he completed a Certificate in Orthodontics, deepening a special interest first introduced to him years earlier in Pretoria. Since then, he has continued to refine his expertise in surgery, orthodontics, and implant dentistry, attending advanced courses across South Africa, the USA, Brazil, and beyond.
Since 2016, he has operated independently under Dr Kagiso Moloi & Associates, establishing a respected, patient-centred practice rooted in excellence, ethics, and mentorship.
*** Veteran jazz advocates: Dr Moloi and Brenda Sisane ***
Family, Service, and Leadership
Dr Moloi is married to his university sweetheart, Bawinile Winnie Mkhize-Moloi, a former Lieutenant Colonel in the South African Air Force, now serving as Practice Manager at Dr Moloi & Associates. They are blessed with three children:
- Dimpho-Dintle, who holds both Higher Certificate in Architectural Technology and Bachelors in Architecture
- Wa-Rona and Oarabile are both In Matric.
Leadership has remained a constant thread throughout Dr Moloi’s life. He has served as:
- Chairperson, Dental Students’ Association (UWC)
- SRC Leader (UWC)
- President, Namibian Dental Association
- Chairperson, Special Olympics Namibia
- Chairperson, UNAM School of Dentistry Advisory Board
His practice has been designated a Centre of Excellence by the Health Professions Councils of Namibia, supporting newly qualified dentists in preparation for council examinations. He is also a volunteer specialist with the Nampharm Foundation, assisting individuals with cleft lip and palate, and has participated in Namibia’s National Outreach Programme, travelling to all 14 regions to deliver dental services.
In 2012, Dr Moloi received one of the highest honours of his career when President Hifikepunye Pohamba appointed him as the First Family’s Dental Surgeon — a profound recognition of trust and excellence.
Culture, Jazz, and Public Engagement
Beyond medicine, Dr Moloi is a passionate jazz broadcaster and cultural advocate. His radio journey began at UNAM Radio (2004–2007), continued at National Radio, and since 2014, he has been a prominent voice on Energy 100 FM, where he hosts:
- Sunday Jazz Programme
- Breakfast Health with Dr Kagiso Moloi (Thursdays)
He is a resident dental expert on NBC’s Good Morning Namibia, appearing live every Tuesday, and proudly serves as the Namibian Host of UNESCO’s International Jazz Day, celebrated annually on 30 April worldwide.
A Life of Purpose
Dr Kagiso “KG” Moloi’s life is a testament to resilience, reinvention, service, and excellence. From township hardship and underground mines to continental leadership, healthcare innovation, and cultural diplomacy, his journey reflects the spirit of a man who never surrendered to circumstance.
“Thank you, Namibia, for giving me a chance to serve you,” says Dr Moloi. “I love you, Namibia.”
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This article is based on the Facebook post developed by Dr Kagiso KG Moloi)