The homecoming event was organised, by community builder and media personality, Edmond Mbhetse of Speak Out Phalaborwa. The 32-year-old model and sales representative, was born and raised in Majeje village outside Phalaborwa, where her family still resides. The occasion celebrated Yolanda, who was disqualified from the show, after she made a joke while drunk that she will rape a male housemate.

She came with her friend and former big brother housemate, Mitch to the event. Before she could thank Mbhetse for organising the event and her fans for voting for her, she took the time to dance and interact with the fans who came to celebrate with her. “It doesn’t matter your background, if you are focused and determined to achieve something you will do. Go to school and fight hard to achieve your dreams,” she told the youngsters.

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Yolanda was among the top favourites to win the R2 million, which was won by MC Junior on Sunday, March 31. Yolifires, Yolanda’s fans, have started a fundraising club, where they hope to raise R2m as a consolation prize. The Ba-Phalaborwa Municipality, also applauded the local model for making her mark on the reality show on their Facebook page. Mbhetse thanked all the sponsors who helped make the event a success.

He also expressed his disappointment at the municipality for promising to help to host the event, only to be nowhere to be found a few days before the occasion. “Our young people must know that if they do good, they will be celebrated,” he said. Manager of the office of the mayor, Ndlozi Mkanyani, said that they received communication about the event but that the timframe was a challenge due to processes and approvals that was needed to assist with the event. “We wanted to help,” he said.