Bonang Mathebe loves her clothes, so she openly admits it was not easy letting go some of her most prized possessions.
Over the last two weeks, the TV presenter and model has auctioned off her stylish outfits, designer shoes and glamorous accessories via online classified website Gumtree.
All the money raised is going straight to the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund.
“The fact that it was for a good cause kept me motivated,” said Mathebe.
“I’m sure a lot of women will relate to this, but we tend to bond with our possessions. Each item has a story and a treasured memory.
“I struggled, but I looked at the bigger picture. Being able to make a difference in someone else’s life, however small, is more important.”
Mathebe raised over R100 000 from auctioning off her possessions, which included the iconic Gavin Rajah dress she wore when she met Prince Harry, and a studded cream bag with a chain handle which received more responses than any other item. Gumtree will also be donating R100 000 to the children’s fund.
Mathebe also sold her pair of nude Steve Madden pumps, which garnered close to 3 000 views, and more than 5 600 people viewed her super-chic red and black striped jacket.
More than 100 000 people visited the Gumtree website to view Mathebe’s boutique.
Thousands of buyer responses were reviewed by Bonang and the Gumtree crew. Winning buyers were notified on Sunday.
Mathebe said she had been surprised by the response. “It’s a bit strange, but flattering at the same time.
“I understand that my supporters come from different backgrounds and are at different levels of their careers.
“Perhaps someone saw me wearing something they like, but cannot afford. Through this boutique, they can own designer items without breaking their bank balance, while supporting a good cause.”
Mathebe said she would definitely consider doing it again.
Claire Cobbledick, head of marketing for Gumtree SA, said they were thrilled that so many people viewed Mathebe’s Gumtree Boutique.
“We were fully aware of Bonang’s incredible star power and huge fan base, so we expected to see massive public interest,” said Cobbledick.
Saturday Star