EMALAHLENI – Meet Ashley Ratau, a 23-year-old former grade 12 pupil from Zacheus Malaza Secondary in Emalahleni, who has come a long way since his high school days.
In 2018, Ratau made headlines by achieving seven distinctions and receiving a R10 000 cheque for his outstanding performance.
Today, he is a successful and talented writer, having published his first book in March 2023 and launched it in April of the same year. My next book is coming out April 2024.
Ratau’s passion for writing began in 2017 while he was still in high school. His exceptional academic performance, coupled with his love for writing, paved the way for his success in the literary world.
After completing his high school education, Ratau pursued further studies in entrepreneurship and theology.
He obtained a Certificate in Entrepreneurship via Joseph Business School South Africa and a Diploma in Theology via Christian Leaders Institute.
“I was motivated mostly by own personal struggles towards understanding how my faith plays a role in business/career. I had a desire to merge the two and wanted to help others do the same.”
“My passion was in seeing people discover the role of faith in business and the workplace, the importance of ethical leadership and purpose driven entrepreneurship. I’m doing so I wanted to stare more of people, especially young Africans to consider the entrepreneurial route.” he explained.
He explained about his favourite book from on of his first books.
“My favourite book is ‘Understanding the power and purpose of men’ by Dr Myles Munroe. This is one of the first books I read that really introduced me to the idea of ‘potential’ and ‘purpose’. As a young man, it answered a lot of my questions and set me on a journey of self discovery and discipline.”
“I love the challenge of taking abstract ideas and weaving them into a single unit. I love that it challenges to think beyond the surface and opens your eyes to what you would have otherwise not seen.”
He further advised other talented writers keep pushing. “Start somewhere. Writing starts with just putting your ideas down even when you don’t quite know where you are going, just begin to pen and it will all align.”
