Fashion feud: Mohale Motaung throws shade at ex Somizi's design for Makhadzi's Samas gown
Mohale Motaung subtly mocked Somizi Mhlongo in a sarcastic social media video. Motaung's video reacted to Makhadzi’s gown.
Image: Picture: X/@mohale_motaung
Fashion in Mzansi can feel as serious as taking your daily medication, and this week proved it again. A subtle showdown has set social media on fire, all thanks to a dramatic white gown and a side of shade.
Mohale Motaung, Somizi Mhlongo’s ex, appeared to throw some playful (or not-so-playful) shade after singer Makhadzi shared a post celebrating Mhlongo for designing her striking 31st Annual South African Music Awards gown.
Over the past few years, he has officially ventured into fashion. He launched his own brand, Sompire Kids, in 2023 and later expanded it to include adult wear. In 2024, he enrolled at the Villioti Fashion Institute to formally study fashion design, signalling a commitment to the craft.
Since then, he has designed outfits for other celebrities, including at the Metro FM Music Awards, and has showcased his work at major events such as the Durban Fashion Fair in September 2025 with his Sompire Femme collection featuring women’s designs.
While fans were quick to praise the collaboration, Motaung’s sarcastic video of a woman raving about what seemed like a fashion flop had everyone taking notice.
Of course, the internet had no chill.
Followers read between the lines, assuming Mohale’s post was aimed at Mhlongo, and reactions poured in fast. @__Simplywayne wrote, “Love you queen Makhadzi, but this dress is a mess!”
@TheeBLCKBARBI chimed in, “Fire your designer ASAP, he’s sabotaging you… with due respect!”
Meanwhile, @couldthatbegio: "I can smell the shade coming from this tweet."
We all do.
Fashion is subjective. What works for one person might flop for another, and that’s part of the conversation here. But the line between critique and drama is thin, and social media never misses a chance to turn a subtle gesture into a spectacle.
Motaung and Mhlongo were once married, sharing a very public life. That history gives Motaung's playful critique extra bite, making it feel less like harmless opinion and more like a pointed jab.
In Mzansi, when former lovers weigh in, even subtle shade carries a sting.