A Long-Held Dream Finally Realised
When Somizi Mhlongo walked across the stage at the Villioti Fashion Institute in Johannesburg this week, the cheers went far beyond the auditorium. At 52, this South African media personality and style icon celebrated what he calls his “first graduation” and a meaningful milestone in a career already packed with accolades. He posted photos on Instagram from the ceremony and wrote how proud he feels of himself and how grateful he is to his family, friends, fans, and even his fabric suppliers for supporting the journey.
From Stage, Screen, and Radio to Needle and Thread
Somizi’s presence across television, radio, and the stage has long made his name synonymous with flair and showmanship. But the story behind his latest achievement reveals a side rarely seen: the committed student. Early in 2025, he enrolled at Villioti to study fashion formally, with the aim of taking his design brand, Sompire, to the next level. He already had experience creating garments and launching a kids’ line, yet he decided that self-teaching alone wasn’t enough this time. He told local media then that the course would give him the technical foundation to speak the language of designers and manufacturers rather than merely being the face of a brand.
Mzansi Reacts—Pride and Playful Banter
Social media lit up after the graduation announcement. Fans and industry friends congratulated him warmly, celebrating not only the diploma but also what it symbolises. One commented, “Congrats, friend. This is super amazing.” Another joked, “At least you didn’t graduate at night alone at a mall like me.” On X (formerly Twitter), some teased about the school’s legitimacy; others defended the milestone with heartfelt “Imfundo aigugelwa—no one is too old for education.” The mixture of respect, humour, and cultural references reflects how Somizi’s journey resonates with South Africans from all walks of life.
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Why This Matters: Something Deeper Than a Certificate
In a country where formal education was historically inaccessible to many, seeing a high-profile figure return to the classroom sends a powerful message. For Somizi, the graduation is less about the certificate and more about anchoring his creative legacy in training and discipline. He often says he wants to run a serious fashion business, not just ride his celebrity. By adding a credential to his artistic brand, he shows other creatives that reinvention is possible at any age.
It’s giving bogus institution pic.twitter.com/h43aS3LPQx
— Sage✈️🪐🔭🌍 (@SagewaseSouthAh) October 29, 2025
What Comes Next for Sompire and Somizi’s Fashion Vision
Graduation is just the beginning. Already, he has made his runway debut at the 14th Durban Fashion Fair with his Sompire Femme collection, dedicated to powerful women and inspired by his ancestors. With formal training under his belt, the expectation is that his brand will move into adult wear and possibly menswear, deepen its fashion credibility, and continue to shine a light on South African talent. As the industry watches, Somizi’s path may well encourage more established personalities to hit the books again and blend glamour with grounded skill.
Somizi’s graduation is a moment of celebration, yes, but also a reminder that learning doesn’t stop—or slow—just because you’re comfortable in the spotlight. It’s a fresh chapter, and Mzansi is watching with pride.
Source: Briefly News
Featured Image: Mzansi Magic
