Edwin Sodi is a renowned South African businessman and entrepreneur who serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Blackhead Consulting. He has gained widespread recognition for his involvement in high-profile government contracts, his extravagant lifestyle, and his connections to influential political figures. The businessman has become a household name in South Africa due to both his business success and various legal challenges that have kept him in the public eye.
Edwin Sodi Wikipedia
| Field | Details |
| Full name | Edwin Sodi |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of birth | 24 September 1973 |
| Age | 52 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of birth | Gauteng, South Africa |
| Current residence | Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Nationality | South African |
| Ethnicity | Black |
| Zodiac sign | Libra |
| Sexual orientation | Straight |
| Hair colour | Black |
| Eye colour | Brown |
| Marital status | Divorced |
| Spouse | Nthateng Lerata (estranged) |
| Children | Six children from different mothers |
| Alma mater | Morris Isaacson High School, Fort Hare University |
| Profession | Businessman, Entrepreneur, CEO |
| Company | Blackhead Consulting (Pty) Ltd |
| Net worth | R350 million (approximately $20-30 million USD) |
Who is Edwin Sodi?
Edwin Sodi is a prominent South African entrepreneur who established himself as one of the country’s most talked-about businesspeople. He founded Blackhead Consulting in 2004, a professional engineering service provider that specializes in government contracts and construction projects. His company has secured numerous lucrative deals with government departments, particularly in the housing and infrastructure sectors.
The businessman grew up in Gauteng and attended Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto before pursuing higher education at Fort Hare University. His mother reportedly lives in Senakwe village in Limpopo province. Despite coming from humble beginnings, Sodi built a business empire that spans over 40 ventures across various sectors including property development, office supplies, and construction.
His influence extends beyond business circles into South African politics. He has been described as a political financier with close connections to senior African National Congress (ANC) members. These relationships have played a significant role in his business success but have also attracted scrutiny from law enforcement agencies.
Edwin Sodi Age
Edwin Sodi is 52 years old as of November 2025. He was born on 24 September 1973 in Gauteng, South Africa. His zodiac sign is Libra, which is often associated with balance, diplomacy, and social connections. The businessman celebrated his 50th birthday in September 2023 with a lavish party at his multimillion-rand mansion, despite facing mounting legal challenges at the time.
What is Edwin Sodi’s net worth?
As of 2025, Edwin Sodi’s net worth is estimated at R350 million, which translates to approximately $20-30 million USD. However, some unconfirmed reports suggest his actual wealth could be substantially higher. The businessman accumulated this fortune primarily through government contracts secured by his company, Blackhead Consulting, and his extensive property portfolio.
Sources of wealth
Sodi’s wealth stems from multiple income streams across various business ventures. His primary source of income has been government contracts, particularly in the construction and infrastructure sectors. Blackhead Consulting has won several high-value tenders from government departments in Gauteng and Free State provinces.
The entrepreneur owns an extensive property portfolio that includes several mansions, farms, and commercial properties. His real estate holdings have been valued at tens of millions of rands. One of his most notable properties was a R85 million mansion in Morningside, Johannesburg, which was later sold to businesswoman Davina Divine Bamako.
His investment in the hospitality industry has also contributed to his wealth. Sodi is the majority shareholder in LIV nightclub in Sandton and recently expanded his nightlife empire by opening another LIV venue in Cape Town. These establishments cater to celebrities and affluent clientele, generating substantial revenue.
Luxury assets
The businessman is known for his collection of luxury vehicles. His garage has housed exotic cars including Bentleys, Ferraris, Porsches, and Range Rovers. According to court documents, Blackhead Consulting owned 25 motor vehicles valued at approximately R12 million. However, many of these assets were seized by the Asset Forfeiture Unit in October 2020 as part of ongoing legal proceedings.
His lifestyle includes private jet travel, designer clothing, and expensive whisky collections. Sodi once described himself as an avid collector of whiskies, referring to expensive bottles as his holy waters. This extravagant lifestyle has made him a prominent figure in South African social circles.
Edwin Sodi’s career
Edwin Sodi’s career began after completing his education at Fort Hare University. He founded Blackhead Consulting in 2004 as a professional engineering service provider. The company quickly established itself in the government contracting space, securing deals with various provincial departments.
Blackhead Consulting
Blackhead Consulting is described as a 100 percent black-owned and managed professional engineering service provider. The company offers strategic advice to company executives and provides services in construction, project management, and infrastructure development. Under Sodi’s leadership, the firm grew rapidly by winning lucrative government tenders.
The company’s most controversial contract was the R255 million asbestos roof removal project in Free State province. This 2014 deal involved a joint venture between Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading, which was owned by the late Ignatius Mpambani. The contract was meant to remove asbestos roofs from houses in old townships across the province.
Government contracts
Beyond the asbestos project, Sodi’s companies secured multiple government contracts over the years. He was awarded a contract to upgrade the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant in Tshwane, which was meant to supply clean water to residents of Hammanskraal. However, this project also became embroiled in controversy when allegations emerged that the work was not completed as specified.
His business model relied heavily on connections with government officials and political leaders. The State Capture Commission heard testimony that Sodi made generous payments to secure influence and retain connections with ANC politicians. These payments were described as loans and donations to high-ranking party members, though no proper records were maintained.
Expansion into hospitality
In recent years, Sodi diversified his business interests beyond government contracts. He acquired stakes in popular entertainment venues, including LIV Sandton, formerly known as Taboo nightclub. The venue became a celebrity hangout spot in Johannesburg’s affluent Sandton area. In November 2024, he opened another LIV nightclub on Bree Street in Cape Town, establishing himself as a player in South Africa’s nightlife industry.
Is Edwin Sodi married? Wife and relationships
Edwin Sodi’s relationship status has been a subject of intense media scrutiny over the years. He is legally married to Nthateng Lerata, though they have been separated for several years and are heading toward divorce. The couple got married in 2000 and welcomed their son in 2003. However, their marriage ended shortly after their child’s birth.
Marriage to Nthateng Lerata
Nthateng Lerata, also known as Nthateng Matsoleli Lerata, was Sodi’s first wife and business partner. Their relationship became strained over the years, leading to separation. In June 2024, the Johannesburg High Court ordered Sodi to pay his estranged wife more than R24 million as part of a divorce settlement agreement reached nearly eight years earlier. He was given 48 days to make the payment or face asset seizure.
The relationship turned dramatic in 2022 when Lerata laid assault and attempted murder charges against Sodi. She alleged that during a confrontation, he attempted to shoot her, but his gun jammed, and he subsequently used the firearm to hit her. However, in March 2025, the case was struck off the court roll after Lerata withdrew the charges, reportedly following an out-of-court settlement.
Lerata has also faced her own legal troubles. In 2024, reports emerged that she owed the South African Revenue Service over R49.9 million in personal income tax, highlighting the complex financial entanglements in their relationship.
Relationship with Karen Zulu
After separating from his wife, Sodi became romantically involved with several women, most notably actress and influencer Karen Zulu. The couple dated on and off for approximately two years, and their relationship attracted significant media attention. In July 2022, social media was flooded with invitations to a traditional wedding between Sodi and Zulu, but the businessman quickly dismissed these as fake, stating he remained legally married to Lerata and would need her permission to take a second wife.
Zulu and Sodi’s relationship appeared serious, with reports suggesting he had sent a delegation to her family in KwaZulu-Natal for traditional marriage negotiations. However, in February 2024, multiple sources reported that Sodi had ended the relationship amid his mounting financial and legal troubles. The breakup allegedly occurred just weeks before authorities seized many of his luxury vehicles.
Despite the split, Zulu continued to be linked to Sodi through social media posts and public appearances. In early 2025, she celebrated her 30th birthday, and social media posts suggested she remained close to Sodi’s children, indicating some level of ongoing connection.
Dating history
Beyond his relationship with Zulu, Sodi has been romantically linked to several high-profile South African women. His alleged girlfriend list includes fashion influencer Kefilwe Mabote, television personality Minnie Dlamini, beauty influencer Mihlali Ndamase, and Kat Ncala. These relationships have never been officially confirmed but have been widely reported in South African media.
One particularly controversial relationship involved Onalerona Thekisho, the wife of South African rapper and television presenter ProVerb. Reports emerged in the mid-2010s alleging that Thekisho had been romantically involved with Sodi for two years while still married to ProVerb. The affair reportedly began in 2013 when they met at a car wash. ProVerb later confirmed his wife’s infidelity, leading to significant media attention.
In 2008, Sodi had a short-lived relationship with another woman that resulted in a child. This relationship ended quickly, adding to his growing number of children from different partners.
How many children does Edwin Sodi have?
Edwin Sodi is the father of six children from different mothers. His first child, a son, was born in 2003 to his estranged wife Nthateng Lerata. The businessman has maintained a relatively private stance regarding his children, rarely discussing them publicly or sharing details about their lives.
Despite the secrecy surrounding his family life, social media posts from his former partners suggest that Sodi maintains relationships with his children. In January 2025, posts on social media indicated that his children had close relationships with Karen Zulu, with one post stating they extended birthday wishes to her.
The businessman’s mother reportedly lives in Senakwe village in Limpopo, though little is known about other members of his immediate family. Sodi has generally kept his personal family matters away from the media spotlight, focusing public attention on his business ventures and legal battles instead.
Edwin Sodi’s legal troubles and controversies
Edwin Sodi’s career has been overshadowed by numerous legal challenges and corruption allegations that have dominated South African headlines for several years.
The Free State asbestos scandal
The most significant controversy involving Sodi centers on the R255 million asbestos roof removal contract awarded in 2014. The project involved a joint venture between his company Blackhead Consulting and Diamond Hill Trading. The contract was meant to identify and remove asbestos roofs from houses in Free State townships, but investigations revealed widespread irregularities.
In April 2025, Sodi appeared in the Bloemfontein High Court alongside former Free State Premier Ace Magashule and 16 other co-accused. The group faces charges of money laundering, fraud, and corruption related to the asbestos tender. Sodi pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lawyers have challenged the admissibility of evidence against him, arguing that investigators violated proper procedures.
The case has become one of South Africa’s most closely watched corruption trials, with implications for both business leaders and politicians. The State Capture Commission heard extensive testimony about how the contract was awarded and executed, with allegations that proper procurement procedures were not followed.
Rooiwal sewage treatment scandal
Beyond the asbestos case, Sodi faced allegations related to the Rooiwal wastewater treatment plant upgrade in Tshwane. His company was awarded a R291 million contract to upgrade the facility meant to supply clean water to Hammanskraal residents. However, investigations revealed that the promised work was not completed to specification.
In June 2025, a court ordered Sodi to pay back money related to this contract, finding that his company had failed to deliver on its contractual obligations. This case further damaged his business reputation and raised questions about oversight of government contracts.
Asset seizures
In October 2020, the Asset Forfeiture Unit seized numerous assets belonging to Sodi and Blackhead Consulting. The seizure included 25 luxury vehicles valued at R12 million, multiple properties including mansions and farms, and other valuable items. Among the seized vehicles were Bentleys, Ferraris, and Range Rovers that exemplified his extravagant lifestyle.
The properties seized included a farm valued at R6 million in Ruimsig, Pretoria, and a property valued at R1 million in Aanwins, Johannesburg. Despite these seizures, Sodi continued to live lavishly, celebrating his 50th birthday in his remaining Morningside mansion in 2023.
Tax issues
Sodi has also faced scrutiny from the South African Revenue Service. Reports indicate ongoing disputes over tax payments and compliance issues. His estranged wife Nthateng Lerata was also hit with a R50 million tax bill, suggesting complex financial arrangements within their business dealings.
Company blacklisting controversy
Despite the serious allegations and ongoing court cases, Blackhead Consulting has not been officially blacklisted by South Africa’s National Treasury. This has drawn criticism from opposition parties and civil society organizations who argue that companies involved in corruption should be prohibited from receiving government contracts. As of September 2025, the ANC-led Tshwane municipality had still not lodged a formal blacklisting application against Sodi and his associated companies.
Edwin Sodi’s lifestyle and public image
Despite his legal troubles, Edwin Sodi has maintained a high public profile characterized by luxury and excess. His lifestyle choices have made him a fixture in South African social circles and celebrity gossip columns.
The businessman is known for his love of luxury cars, with a collection that has included some of the world’s most expensive vehicles. He has been photographed with Bentleys, Ferraris, Porsches, and multiple Range Rovers. His taste extends to fine whiskies, which he collects and displays prominently in his homes.
His real estate holdings have been equally impressive. His most famous property was the R85 million Morningside mansion that featured contemporary modern architecture. The 4,000 square meter home boasted five bedrooms and five bathrooms, with materials and finishes carefully selected to create a harmonious living environment. The property was listed for sale in February 2024 for R75 million and was eventually purchased by businesswoman Davina Divine Bamako.
Sodi’s fashion sense leans toward designer labels and expensive accessories. He is frequently photographed at high-end events wearing designer suits and luxury watches. His social media presence, though not as active as some celebrities, occasionally offers glimpses into his lavish lifestyle.
His expansion into the nightclub business has positioned him as a key figure in South Africa’s entertainment industry. The LIV nightclubs attract celebrities, influencers, and wealthy clientele, further cementing his status in elite social circles.
Fast facts about Edwin Sodi
- Educational background: Edwin Sodi attended Morris Isaacson High School in Soweto, the same school that played a significant role in the 1976 Soweto Uprising. He later enrolled at Fort Hare University for a BA degree.
- Business network: Sodi’s business empire extends across more than 40 ventures in various sectors including property development, construction, office supplies, and hospitality.
- Political connections: He has maintained close relationships with high-ranking ANC politicians and has been described as a major contributor to the party. The State Capture Commission heard testimony about his generous payments to political figures.
- Late business partner: Sodi’s business partner Ignatius Mpambani, who co-owned Diamond Hill Trading, was murdered in 2017. The circumstances surrounding his death remain subject to speculation.
- Whisky collector: The businessman has publicly stated that he is an avid collector of expensive whiskies, which he refers to as his holy waters.
- Nightclub owner: In addition to his construction business, Sodi is the majority shareholder in LIV Sandton nightclub and opened a second LIV location in Cape Town in November 2024.
- High-profile relationships: His romantic relationships with South African celebrities and influencers have kept him in gossip columns for years, with an alleged girlfriend list that includes some of the country’s most famous women.
- Social media presence: Despite his public profile, Sodi maintains a relatively low-key social media presence, though posts about him and his lifestyle regularly go viral on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
- Still not divorced: As of 2025, Sodi remains legally married to his first wife Nthateng Lerata despite their long separation and pending divorce proceedings.
- Court battles: Beyond the asbestos scandal, Sodi has faced numerous other legal challenges including disputes with banks, tax authorities, and former business partners, making him a regular fixture in South African courtrooms.
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Wrapping up
Edwin Sodi remains one of South Africa’s most controversial business figures in 2025. His journey from humble beginnings in Soweto to building a multimillion-rand business empire has been marked by both impressive entrepreneurial success and serious legal challenges. As the CEO of Blackhead Consulting, he secured lucrative government contracts that generated significant wealth but also attracted intense scrutiny from law enforcement agencies. His ongoing trial related to the R255 million asbestos scandal continues to captivate public attention, while his extravagant lifestyle and high-profile relationships keep him in the social media spotlight. Whether he will overcome his legal troubles or face serious consequences remains to be seen, but his impact on South African business and political circles is undeniable.
References
- Briefly.co.za. “Edwin Sodi’s net worth: Tracing the fortune of the Blackhead Consulting CEO“. October 18, 2025.
- The Star. “Businessman Edwin Sodi pleads not guilty to money laundering in R255 million asbestos tender case“. April 15, 2025.
- News24. “Court orders Edwin Sodi to pay estranged wife R24m share or face asset seizure“. June 23, 2024.
- The Africa Report. “Who is Edwin Sodi, the political financier close to South Africa’s Paul Mashatile“. August 10, 2023.
- Daily Maverick. “‘I like my holy waters,’ boasts Edwin Sodi, winner of R255-million Free State asbestos contract“. August 20, 2020.
- TimesLIVE. “Socialite Edwin Sodi buys nightclub in the Mother City“. November 21, 2024.
- IOL. “Edwin Sodi’s attempted murder case struck from court roll after estranged wife withdraws charges“. March 20, 2025.
- Sunday World. “WATCH | Tycoon Edwin Sodi dumps fiancée amid cash crunch“. February 24, 2024.
Sarah Mitchell – Founder & Editor-in-Chief. With 6 years covering entertainment for outlets like Entertainment Weekly and People, Sarah brings deep industry knowledge and an extensive network of sources. She’s interviewed over 500 celebrities, covered 12 Oscar ceremonies, and has an uncanny ability to spot fake stories from miles away.
