TV star Nonhle Thema booted for 'racist Aids rant'

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.