Flamboyant media personality Somizi Mhlongo, a standard 7 (grade 9) dropout, has taken a decision to go back to school to further his education.
The 50-year-old multitalented star shared previously that he dropped out of school because he believed school would hinder him from chasing his dreams.
Mhlongo, who has now signed up for a fashion design course, told Sunday World that it is never too late to go back to school.
“I have always believed in the value of education even though in my case the opportunities of work when still very young put me on a different path as far as formal school is concerned,” he said.
“But dropping out that early did not stop me from educating myself about anything that became part of my professional life.”
Mhlongo, whose parents are famous actors Ndaba Mhlongo and Mary Twala, made his acting debut when he was 15 through the 1987 film Scavengers.
Though Mhlongo is better known as a radio and TV personality, he had a long glorious career as a dancer and choreographer of international standards.
His career highlights include choreographing the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2010 Fifa World Cup, which was hosted in South Africa.
Mhlongo said he was never ready to go to a culinary school when he started his cookbook.
“With this one [fashion course], I am ready. I am content with who I am and where I am in life. It is always about timing at the end of the day.”
He has registered for a part-time six-month course with the Villioti Fashion Institute.
“I initially wanted to do a higher certificate which is over one year, but I realised I couldn’t because it is full-time and I have work.
“After completing my part-time course, I plan to register for a higher certificate. If time allows, I would like to have a degree in fashion design.”
Mhlongo, who recently launched Somphire Kids, said he has always been passionate about fashion, noting that his new business venture has pushed him to do the course.
He wants to be able to create garments with his own hands whether in drawing or the actual design before going to manufacturing.
“I think this year I have been really pushing the narrative of ‘it is never too late to do anything’. This is the first time that I have become a chief executive officer of anything or even had an office.”
He added that he had a moment while designing something that he wore on Idols SA, sharing that most of the stuff he wears, he usually recreates with his own hands.
“I can only use my hands. I get frustrated when I give a designer a vision that I have, and it doesn’t come out the way I want it to.
“So, I always know exactly what I want, but I just don’t know how to do it.”
The Idols SA judge said he wants to major in ready-to-wear and avant garde fashion because of his bold and weird personality.
“I’m huge on avant garde because I am very picky as to what I wear. I hate wearing something that somebody else wears.”
Currently at Sompire Kids he has an illustrator who brings his designs to life because, he said, he can’t draw to save his life.
He has a team, but he is fully involved in the business and in the future he plans to take over the team.
Several people design for him and two of them, Anita Ferreira and Gert-Johan Coetzee, have influenced his decision to study further.
“Ferreira has inspired me because of how she juggles everything from being a mother, wife, and successful designer.
“Coetzee has inspired me on how to run the business and what he has achieved at his own pace and own lane.”
