TV star Nonhle Thema booted for 'racist Aids rant'

24 November 2014 - 14:49 By Gabi Mbele
subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now
Nonhle Thema. File photo
Nonhle Thema. File photo
Image: TMG

Billboards and in-store promotional material featuring South African Nonhle Thema are hurriedly being removed from stores in Botswana.

International shoe brand Madison confirmed that it had ditched the TV personality after a debacle during which she allegedly referred to Batswana women as "skinny, ugly and Aids-infected".

The 32-year-old presenter said she was "saddened and confused" when the brand pulled the plug. "I never said anything like that at all. If I did, why didn't they deal with it then but waited a week to reveal this?"

However, Madison has issued a statement stating: "Due to the alleged circumstances of this trip and its repercussions, we regret to announce Ms Nonhle Thema is no longer the brand ambassador for Madison . We will be donating R10000 towards Aids awareness in Botswana."

The incident occurred on November 11 at the Cigar Lounge Club in Gaborone.

subscribe Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package.
Subscribe now