Quick Facts:
Fact | Detail |
---|---|
Full Name | Lekau Sehoana |
Date of Birth | 20 September 1988 |
Age | 35 |
Place of Birth | Limpopo, South Africa |
Raised in | Ivory Park, Gauteng, South Africa |
Nationality | South African |
Profession | Entrepreneur, Designer, CEO of Drip Footwear |
Education | NQF Level 3 in Civil Engineering |
College | Ekurhuleni West Technical, Vocational, Education and Training College (EWC) |
Notable Achievement | Founder and CEO of Drip Footwear |
Recognition | Listed #65 on Africa’s Top 100 Most Admired Brands, #2 in South Africa |
Philanthropy | Assisted thousands of students |
Ex-Wife | Lebogang Machaba |
Early Life
Lekau Sehoana was born on 20 September 1988 in Limpopo, South Africa. He grew up in Ivory Park, Gauteng, where he faced financial difficulties from a young age. In 2003, while in Grade 8, Lekau received an old pair of sneakers to wear to school. Instead of discarding them, he removed the torn parts and redesigned the sneakers using denim and polyurethane. This innovative redesign gained the attention and admiration of his local community, marking the beginning of his journey in footwear design.
Career and Business
Sixteen years after his initial sneaker redesign, Lekau formally launched his own brand, “Drip,” in 2020. Starting with 600 pairs of sneakers, he sold all of them within a month and two weeks. Drip Footwear rapidly gained recognition for its innovative designs and quality, both locally and internationally.
Today, Drip Footwear has expanded significantly. The company employs over 300 people and operates 25 brick-and-mortar stores, along with a strong online presence. Drip’s success is reflected in its rankings: it is listed as number 65 on Africa’s Top 100 Most Admired Brands and number 2 among South Africa’s Most Admired Brands.
Education
Lekau Sehoana holds a National Qualifications Framework (NQF) Level 3 in Civil Engineering from Ekurhuleni West Technical, Vocational, Education, and Training College (EWC) in South Africa. His technical education provided a strong foundation that he creatively applied to his business ventures.
Philanthropy
Lekau is also a dedicated philanthropist. He has assisted thousands of students with various forms of aid, enabling them to complete their education. His commitment to giving back to the community underscores his belief in making a positive impact on young African generations.
Personal Life
Lekau Sehoana was previously married to Lebogang Machaba. His journey from redesigning old sneakers to building a successful international brand is a testament to his innovative spirit and determination. As the CEO of Drip Footwear, he continues to inspire young entrepreneurs and make a significant impact in the fashion industry and beyond.