MINNIE ’ S R2m BABY
TV personality and sassy model Minnie Dlamini ’ s love and loyalty for the BMW brand has been rewarded with a major endorsement deal with the car maker.
The Soccer Zone presenter was lured to join a group titled “Friends of BMW ” because of her love for the luxurious German machine. And, as a result, Dlamini will be cruising the streets of Joburg in a brand new R2-million BMW i8 as part of the deal believed to be over two years.
Dlamini had been driving BMW vehicles for more than five years, starting with a BMW M3 that she bought in 2011 as a 21st birthday present. The Tropica Island of
Treasure show presenter took her love for the brand to another level when she bought a BMW 4 Series convertible a year ago.
Recently, she blessed her mother with a brand new BMW X5, a gesture that earned her love and respect from fans and other celebs.
Sunday World understands that Dlamini, as part of the partnership, will also be expected to be an MC at most events organised by BMW.
Dlamini confirmed that she clinched a deal with BMW but refused to give more details.
“I can confirm that I will be working with BMW on a partnership,” she said.
BMW Group South Africa ’ s communication manager Edward Makwana confirmed that Dlamini was now part of the BMW family.
“Minenhle was recently added to the circle of the ‘ Friends of BMW ’ to help promote some of our marketing activities – similar to our existing partnership with Jo-Ann Strauss and Dan Nicholl.
“The purchase of a BMW X5 for her mother was in no way related to our discussions or association with her. She personally funded this car without any discount resulting from our partnership with her.
“She did not even contact us to discuss the terms of this vehicle purchase at any stage and we too read about this purchase in the press and social media.
“... It is important to note that our discussions with Minenhle started in March this year and she was already a BMW fan or customer even before our discussions with her. Her contract was approved by the management board of BMW Group SA in April 2016 and finally signed this month,” said Makwana.
He said they chose to partner with Dlamini because “her profile fits in very well with our electro mobility strategy for our BMW i sub-brand and will help educate and reach a bigger audience ... in a market like South Africa where this future of mobility is in its infancy ”.
Dlamini will be among a few other celebrities who are already zipping around town in the hybrid i8.
Idols judge and Metro FM DJ Somizi Mhlongo and popular charismatic preacher Pastor Paseka “Mboro ” Motsoeneng have each forked out the hefty R2-million to join the club.