Polokwane author wins top award
Lerato Molea wins the Outstanding Fiction Book Award and will use her prize to launch a self-publishing company and support GBV survivors.
POLOKWANE – Local author Lerato Molea was recently honoured with the Outstanding Fiction Book Award 2025 for her second and newly released novel, ‘Love Is a Dangerous Tool’, at Limpopo’s inaugural Arts and Culture Awards (Laca) 2025, held at Meropa Casino and Entertainment World in December.
The awards aim to celebrate creative excellence, recognising talent in categories such as performing arts, visual arts, design and literature.
“This moment feels like a beautiful affirmation of every late night, every doubt pushed aside, and every chapter written with heart,” Molea told BONUS. She said that as a self-published author, her journey has taught her that while the road may be challenging, it is also filled with possibility for anyone who believes in their work.
Molea added that winning the award has ignited an even deeper passion within her and serves as a reminder that dreams do not need permission to grow.
“They only need courage, consistency and the willingness to take one step at a time,” she said. “If my journey proves anything, it is that your voice matters, your story matters, and the world makes room for those who refuse to give up. To every writer carving their own path, keep going. Your breakthrough may be closer than you think.”
The award was accompanied by a cheque worth R20 000, which Molea plans to use to further develop her creative work. She said that her first step will be the launch of her own self-publishing company, Molea Fiction House, to support aspiring writers who want to self-publish.
“There are very few platforms offering this kind of service, especially for independent writers,” she said.
With the remaining funds, Molea plans to release her third book, titled ‘Don’t Spill the Poison Before I Drink It’. She also intends to allocate part of the prize money towards her annual Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors’ event, which she hosts every September.
“The funds will greatly assist with the GBV events, which honour both survivors and those we have lost to gender-based violence. Any remaining proceeds will be invested in future projects that create impact and meaningful change.”
