Somizi Mhlongo to further his education
Somizi Mhlongo has decided to further his education after dropping out at standard 7 (Grade 9). The media personality has registered for a part-time six-month course with the Villioti Fashion Institute. According to Sunday World, the star claimed he couldn't further his education because he believed it would stop him from achieving his dreams. The 50-year-old will be taking a fashion design course, as he believes it's not too late for him. “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.” “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.” “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.” “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.” “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.” Fashion designers Anita Ferreira and Gert-Johan Coetzee are his motivators and they've greatly influenced him.