Adv Tsoarelo Malakoane matriculated from the Kananelo Senior Secondary School in Kroonstad in 1986 and obtained a B. Proc and LLB-degrees from the University of the Western Cape. He also obtained a certificate in Credit Control Management from DHS Institute in 2002. Adv Malakoane was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa. Prior to his appointment as Head of Department, he served as the Legal Advisor of the Free State Legislature from 2005 to 2011 and gained significant experience in the drafting and interpretation of legislation and policies, senior management and the legislative environment.
Adv Malakoane has also gained solid experience in corporate governance matters as he has served on various boards such as the Phakisa Major Sport and Development Corporation, Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (PACOFS) and the Free State Provincial Arts and Culture Council. He has also served on the Steering Committee of the Mangaung Arts and Cultural Festival (MACUFE) prior to his appointment.
His interest and understanding of the arts are strengthened by his involvement in this sector. He is a A SAMRO and SARRAL producer, composer, arranger and recording artist. In 1997, he released and produced a debut gospel album Polygram Records (currently called Universal Music) with Sediba Group. He has also released and produced an Afro-jazz debut album entitled Tsoarelo featuring Maru Band with Bula Music under the Joy of Jazz brand.
As a performing artists, he has shared the stage with well-known artists such as Ringo, Oliver Mtukudzi, Hugh Masekela, Jonas Gwangwa, Tania Maria, Judith Sephuma, Selaelo Selota, Themba Mkize, Tshepo Tshola, Stimela, Bongo Muffin, Simphiwe Dana, Baaba Maal, Salif Keita, Ishmael Lo and Mirriam Makeba ( in Dakar – Senegal). He has also performed at Macufe, Tikwe Jazz Festivals, Calabash festival, Joy of Jazz By the Rivera and the Johannesburg International Jazz Festival.