The Turbulent Tale of Drip Footwear's Founder and His Estranged Wife
Lekau Sehoana, the founder and CEO of the sneaker brand Drip Footwear, has been in the news lately not because of the success of his business, but because of the fallout from his marriage to Lebohang Machaba. The couple's onceloving partnership has crumbled into a series of unfortunate events, including Machaba's hospitalization due to depression and anxiety.
Lekau Sehoana, the founder and CEO of the sneaker brand Drip Footwear, has been in the news lately not because of the success of his business, but because of the fallout from his marriage to Lebohang Machaba. The couple’s once-loving partnership has crumbled into a series of unfortunate events, including Machaba’s hospitalization due to depression and anxiety.
The Couple’s Separation
The couple’s separation has taken a significant emotional toll on Machaba, who reportedly did everything to mend their relationship but ultimately ended up in the hospital. A friend of Machaba, who spoke to the publication Zimoja, believes that their troubles started when Sehoana started making a fortune through Drip Footwear. It seems the newfound wealth brought out a different side to Sehoana, one that allegedly disregarded the opinions of their families and created a rift between them.
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Exclusion from the Business
Although the couple supposedly started Drip Footwear together, it has been claimed that Sehoana cut Machaba out of the business as soon as the money started pouring in. This alleged exclusion from the business went beyond just the financial aspect. Sehoana is accused of kicking Machaba out of their Fourways home because she did not fit in with his new, celebrity-filled lifestyle.
Financial Constraints
Moreover, Sehoana has been accused of not providing maintenance for their young son, who has had to leave preschool due to financial constraints. The situation escalated in April when Machaba reportedly demanded 50% of the company shares and threatened to tarnish Sehoana’s image through the media, prompting Sehoana to head to the Pretoria police station, where he filed a case of extortion.
Police Response
Police spokesperson Mavela Masondo confirmed the case, while Sehoana disputed the claims that he founded Drip Footwear with his ex-wife, stating that the company was established shortly after their separation in 2020. “She demanded more money exceeding the agreement they have made,” reads the police statement.
Lessons Learned
Overall, this tumultuous story of Lekau Sehoana and Lebohang Machaba is a cautionary tale about how personal relationships can get entangled with business ventures, and the disastrous consequences that may ensue. It serves as a reminder that, no matter how successful a business may become, the human element and the emotions it entails should never be neglected or underestimated.
Michael Jameson is a Cape Town-born journalist whose reporting on food culture traces the city’s flavours from Bo-Kaap kitchens to township braai spots. When he isn’t tracing spice routes for his weekly column, you’ll find him surfing the chilly Atlantic off Muizenberg with the same ease he navigates parliamentary press briefings.
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