Edwin Sodi Biography
Edwin Sodi is a well-known South African entrepreneur and business magnate who has made significant contributions to both the business world and the political landscape. He is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Blackhead Consulting, a highly successful business firm based in South Africa. Edwin Sodi’s life is marked by his successful business ventures, philanthropy, and close ties to the political realm, particularly the African National Congress (ANC).
Early Life
Born in September 1973. As of 2023, he is 50 years old.
Edwin Sodi Qualifications
Edwin Sodi has chosen to keep the details of his academic qualifications private. However, he is recognized as both an entrepreneur and tenderpreneur. He has a reputation for leveraging his political connections to secure lucrative government tenders.
Edwin Sodi Career
Entrepreneurship and Business Acumen
Edwin Sodi is widely recognized for his entrepreneurial prowess. He is the founder and CEO of Blackhead Consulting, a successful business entity.
In addition to his role at Blackhead Consulting, Sodi has served at the board level, providing valuable counsel to CEOs and organization executives. His involvement in large-scale reconstruction projects has yielded substantial financial gains, notably from the Gauteng Provincial Government.
Furthermore, he has been extensively engaged in social responsibility projects for the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism. Edwin Sodi’s expertise spans position planning, hierarchical execution, preparation, system advancement, and development.
Edwin Sodi Controversies
Edwin Sodi’s career has been marred by several controversies. Notably, he was linked to a failed R100 million water project in the Free State, as the Mail and Guardian reported.
Additionally, Sodi faced allegations of involvement in the cholera outbreak in Hammanskraal, Tshwane, which resulted in numerous fatalities by May 2023.
Edwin Sodi biography (Image Credit: EWN)
Corruption Charges
In the same month, he appeared before the Bloemfontein magistrate’s court, facing more than 70 counts of corruption, fraud, money laundering, and asbestos contraventions related to a R255 million Free State contract. Sodi was arrested on corruption charges in 2020
His company, along with Diamond Hill Trading owned by the late Ignatius Mpambani, had been awarded the tender to remove asbestos roofs in the Free State.
The tender was later flagged by the Auditor-General due to irregularities. The Asset Forfeiture Unit (AFU) initiated legal action against Sodi, leading to his arrest along with six others. His sports cars were seized as part of the investigation, and he was released on R500,000 bail.
Personal Life
Marriage
Apart from his prominence in business, Edwin Sodi’s personal life has attracted attention due to his relationships. He has been involved with three known women over the years. Sodi was once married to Nthateng Lerata, a former television and radio presenter, in a traditional ceremony held in 2012. However, their marriage ended amid allegations of theft and disputes. Lerata was accused of stealing R1 million from Sodi’s safe and luxury watches, including Panerai, Rolex, and Audemars Piguet.
Edwin Sodi Relationships and Romances
Following the end of his marriage to Nthateng Lerata, Edwin Sodi’s personal life has continued to garner public interest due to his subsequent relationships and romantic entanglements. Notably, in 2015, his name circulated in the media amid allegations that he was involved in the breakup of DJ Sbu’s marriage with Disebo Makatsa.
Disebo Makatsa was reportedly in a relationship with Edwin Sodi, which eventually ended in 2019. However, these claims were later refuted by Disebo. She clarified that she and DJ Sbu had separated for reasons unrelated to Edwin Sodi.
Also Read: DJ Sbu Biography: Early Life, Education, Career, Entrepreneurship, Awards, Philanthropy
Sodi’s romantic journey also included a relationship with Kefilwe Mabote, a well-known Instagram influencer popularly referred to as Kefiboo. While their relationship made headlines, it eventually came to an end, marking another chapter in Sodi’s personal life.
Edwin Sodi Biography | Kefilwe Mabote and another mysterious woman with Edwin (Image Credit: The Citizen)
In 2022, Sodi was rumoured to be preparing for his wedding to Nokukhanya Karen Zulu, a popular social media influencer.
Minnie Dlamini and Mihlali Ndamase Romantic Rumors
In May 2022, Edwin Sodi faced rumours and speculation regarding alleged romantic involvements. It was suggested on Twitter that he had an affair with TV personality Minnie Dlamini. Despite these rumours circulating on social media, Sodi vehemently denied any romantic involvement with Minnie. Additionally, he denied dating South African influencer Mihlali Ndamase, whose name had also been linked to him in romantic contexts.
Also Read: Mihlali Ndamase Biography | Age, Rise To Fame, Career, Boyfriend, Scandal
Domestic Dispute
In March 2022, Sodi faced legal issues when he turned himself into the police for allegedly assaulting his estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata. The incident reportedly involved Sodi arriving at his Bryanston home, finding his wife with a male friend, Faizel Motlekar, and allegedly pointing a firearm. Sodi was released on bail with certain legal restrictions while the case continued.
Edwin Sodi R85 Million Mansion and Luxurious Lifestyle
Edwin Sodi is known for his opulent lifestyle, owning several high-end properties in South Africa. His assets are valued in the millions, with his R85 million Bryanston mansion gaining significant attention.
This luxurious home boasts numerous bedroom suites, designer furniture, multiple bathrooms, a private wine cellar, a 12-seater cinema, games room, indoor and outdoor pools, among other amenities.
Car Collection
Sodi’s affinity for luxury extends to his collection of high-end vehicles. His impressive car collection includes notable brands such as Bentley, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Chevrolet, Volkswagen, Hino, Nissan, Hyundai, and Ford.
