The controversial businessman has been awarded government contracts, but his poor performance has made headlines. He is facing charges of corruption, fraud, and money laundering.
Edwin Sodi
Controversial businessman and entrepreneur – Edwin Sodi.
Edwin Sodi was born on 24 September 1973 in Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo, South Africa. His late father was a pastor of a Lutheran Church.
Career
Edwin Sodi owns Blackhead Consulting, a company that received contracts from the Departments of Human Settlements in Gauteng and the Free State. The company received a R255m contract to eradicate the asbestos roofs in the Free State.
His company, Blackhead Consulting, is reputable for irregularities, failed projects, and losing public funds.
The company received a R295 million project, the Rooiwal Wastewater Treatment Plant, but failed to execute it. It was linked to the Hammanskraal cholera outbreak of 2023. It lacked the experience and resources to deliver the upgrade.
Another failed project was the construction of Barcelona Primary School, for which he was awarded R10.8 million. The school was meant for the community of Etwatwa on the East Rand.
He has another company, NJR Projects, which received a R282 million contract to upgrade the Parys Correctional Facility. The project faced many delays due to cash flow issues. It was set for completion in 2022 but has been moved to 2025. He owns a stake in a nightclub, LIV Sandton.
Sodi was involved in the R225 million asbestos tender fraud. He pleaded not guilty to the charges, which included money laundering, fraud, and corruption.
Personal Life
Edwin Sodi and his wife, Nthateng Lerata, are divorced. After they ended the marriage, the court ordered him to pay his estranged wife a divorce settlement of R24 million.
He has dated many well-known women, including Matsatsi Ramba, Onalerona Moreo, and Disebo Makatsa. He has also made headlines for his relationship with model Ncala.
In 2022, the businessman ended his relationship with luxury influencer Kefilwe Mabote. Their split made headlines across different platforms.
In 2023, he celebrated his 50th birthday with his girlfriend, Nokukhanya Zulu. Notable personalities, including Bobby Blanco and ANC Gauteng provincial secretary TK Nciza, were present for the celebration.
Minnie Dlamini was rumored to have cheated on her estranged husband Quinton Jones with Edwin Sodi.
Businessman Edwin Sodi has dumped his fiancée, actress Karen Zulu. He has six children from different mothers. He owns a mansion worth R85 million.
His estranged wife, Nthateng Lerata, accused him of trying to shoot her with a gun and charged him with attempted murder. He had found her in the house in Johannesburg with ANC funder Fazial Motleker.
