Culture Craze
Somizi Mhlongo Graduates from Fashion School and Begins a Stylish New Chapter
A Dream Stitched to Life
Somizi Mhlongo has done just about everything, from lighting up TV screens and radio airwaves to dazzling red carpets and music stages. But this week, the entertainer added another milestone to his already glittering career, a fashion school graduation.
At 52, the star proudly walked the stage at the Villioti Fashion Institute in Johannesburg, earning what he described as his “first graduation ever.” The ceremony was as vibrant as one would expect from Somizi, who posted photos of the big day on Instagram, expressing heartfelt pride and gratitude to his family, friends, fans, and even his fabric suppliers. “I am super proud of myself,” he wrote, and Mzansi couldn’t agree more.
A Reinvention in Motion
Somizi’s flair for style is nothing new. Over the years, he has become one of South Africa’s most recognisable fashion figures, known for daring looks and trend-defining outfits. But this latest achievement shows another layer to his creativity: discipline and education.
Earlier this year, Somizi officially enrolled at Villioti Fashion Institute to deepen his technical skills and take his fashion label, Sompire, to new heights. While he already had a successful kidswear line and design experience, he decided it was time to formalise his training. As he once told local media, studying fashion gives him the language and precision needed to engage with designers and manufacturers at a professional level.
Fans Celebrate with Love and Laughter
News of Somizi’s graduation quickly spread across social media, where thousands congratulated him for proving that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. Comments ranged from heartfelt to humorous, with one fan writing, “Congrats, friend, this is super amazing,” and another joking, “At least you didn’t graduate at night alone at a mall like me.”
The playful tone didn’t stop there. On X (formerly Twitter), some users questioned whether the fashion school was accredited, prompting a wave of defenders who praised Somizi’s achievement with comments like “Imfundo aigugelwa; no one is too old for education.”
The reaction reflects how deeply Somizi’s story connects with South Africans, a mix of admiration, humour, and pride that defines local pop culture.
View this post on Instagram
More Than a Certificate
Somizi’s graduation represents more than just academic success. It’s a statement about resilience and lifelong learning in a country where many adults are still catching up on opportunities denied in earlier years.
For Somizi, this moment is about cementing his creative legacy. He has often said he wants Sompire to be more than a celebrity fashion label; he wants it to stand as a real business built on craftsmanship and knowledge. His new qualification is a step toward that goal, a bridge between celebrity flair and fashion industry credibility.
It’s giving bogus institution pic.twitter.com/h43aS3LPQx
Sage✈️🪐🔭🌍 (@SagewaseSouthAh) October 29, 2025
What’s Next for Sompire
Even before graduating, Somizi made a mark on the runway. His Sompire Femme collection debuted at the 14th Durban Fashion Fair, inspired by his ancestors and celebrating powerful women. With formal training now behind him, expectations are high that his brand will evolve further, expanding into adult wear and menswear while continuing to champion African identity through design.
If his graduation marks the beginning of a new chapter, it’s one written in bold colours and unapologetic confidence, the very essence of Somizi himself.
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: Bona Magazine
Featured Image: Youth Village
