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Kusile Madlela Showbiz Reporter
BULAWAYO socialite Mbo Mahocs (real name Mbonisi Mahonondo) will be going under the hammer tonight when she gets auctioned for charity. The black tie auction which has been organised by a local charity organisation — Twimbos Giving Hope (TGH) to raise money for homeless children at the Home of Peace in Bulawayo — will take place at Hope Centre (Corner Jason Moyo and George Silundika) from 6PM.

Bidders will have to part with $3 to gain entry into the auction floor. Bidding will start at $5 with winners of the bids being afforded an opportunity to take their lots on a date. Entertainment at the auction will be provided by Explosion Dance Group, poet Funga and Hip Hop gospel artiste T-Wonder.

Mahocs will be auctioned together with 11 others including hip hop artistes — Cal_Vin, Tafadzwa Tarukwana and Khayelihle Moyo; Miss Earth Fire Zimbabwe, Lebo Mmakola; ZBC presenter, Zwa Ndlovu; modeling guru Amanda Mtangadura; fashion designers Nkululeko Ncube and Earnest Mackina; and models Pardon Dube, Bathabile Dlamini and Leshley “Brooke” Jackson.

TGH chairperson, Khayelihle Moyo said the auction was being held to engage the public to be active in assisting those in need.

“We’re taking the first step in involving the citizens of Bulawayo in charity work. Everyone has the capacity to help regardless of their stature in society, you don’t have to be a socialite, but all you need is to give something to help someone in need,” Moyo said.

She said the funds raised tonight would go towards school fees for children at the Home of Peace, as well as their clothing and welfare.

“These children need help in terms of school stationery. We want to ensure they’ve enough books and reading material so they learn with ease.

“We’re hoping to help refurbish their living quarters, especially considering that it’s winter and shelter is an important aspect of the well-being of these children,” said Moyo.

She urged those attending the auction not to come with ulterior motives as such people will not be tolerated

“We’re urging all those who’ll attend the auction to take into account that the event is being organised in the spirit of giving. Winners of the bids will be afforded a chance to go out on a date with their lots,” Moyo said.

“Security measures have been put in place to ensure that the auction flows smoothly.”

An excited Mbo Mahocs yesterday took to her Facebook page where she advised potential buyers to come fully prepared as she would not agree to be bought by poor bidders.

“Hey bidders, did I mention that in order to bid for this lady, you must be between 29-37 years of age (bring proof of ID). You MUST be working, be subscribed on Econet, drive anything close to a BMW 7 Series, AMG Benz etc.

“I’ll also accept those with Range Rovers, especially in white. You can’t still be sleeping in your mother’s blankets . . .” Mahocs advised bidders before laughing.

On a serious note, the fashionista said she was looking forward to seeing people of Bulawayo teaming up to give to charity.

“Twimbos is a group of young people looking to help anyone who is in need of relief. I’m happy to be a part of this initiative because it’s my social responsibility to ensure that I don’t turn a blind eye to matters of charity,” she said.

“As a society we need to shy away from regarding homeless people as inferior and try to engage them and find out what situation led to where they’re. This is part of being human.”

Moyo said Twimbos Giving Hope, which was formed last year, was a non-profit making association made up of, but not limited to Zimbabwean Twitter users who have come together to help make a difference in the lives of disadvantaged people in society.

“Twimbos Giving Hope is a voluntary club that has brought Zimbabwean Twitter users from across the globe to help the needy in Zimbabwe. Our first project was to collect food items, clothing, books, stationery, school uniforms as well as raise funds to donate to our chosen charity Tichakunda in Hatcliff, Harare, in December last year,” she said.

“We also organised a Christmas Benefit Concert at which all proceeds received were directed to a charity organisation — Tichakunda.”

She said those who want to help their cause could EcoCash them through Billing Code 82949 or account number 0782694077.