Masisi’s most expensive golf ball
Spira Tlhankane | Tuesday April 23, 2024 09:16
The applause that followed his swing hinted at something special, but no one anticipated just how special it would be: that same golf ball would fetch a staggering P350,000 at auction a few hours later. Yes, you read that right. The BDP auctioned off Masisi’s signed ball for over a quarter of a million pula as part of fundraising efforts for the upcoming general election in October.
Your average golf ball might set you back a mere P30, with some of the priciest options like Dixon Fire golf balls going for around P1,000 per dozen.
But when auctioneer Michael ‘Dignash’ Morapedi kicked off the bidding at around P10,000, it quickly spiralled into a frenzy. Eventually, Hongbo Wang, a director at local construction giant Unik Construction Engineering, sealed the deal with his winning bid of P350,000. And that was just the gala dinner auction.
The day had already seen plenty of action. With primary elections, campaigns, and candidate launches on the horizon, the BDP knew they needed a cash injection. So, they organised a golf day, drawing in party bigwigs and donors for a day on the links, all in the name of filling the party coffers.
Despite already having P34.6 million in political party funding to share with opposition parties, the BDP saw it fit to tap into the deep pockets of the Gaborone golf club. The course was pristine, the weather ideal, and the participants eager to contribute to Masisi’s cause. But what started as a leisurely round of golf soon turned into a red-letter day for the BDP. Elite party members and supporters took to the greens, their BK Proctor caps a testament to their financial clout. These weren’t your typical rally attendees; they were the money men, primed to bankroll an intense election campaign.
The auction itself stole the show, with Dignash showcasing his auctioneering prowess. In a matter of minutes, bids soared past the P100,000 mark, spurred on by his charismatic chant and comedic flair. With each raise of a bidding card, Dignash injected excitement and urgency into the room, driving the price higher and higher. He knew his audience, and he played to their deep pockets, keeping the pace brisk and the bids competitive. And when the gavel finally fell on that eye-watering P350,000 bid, it was clear that the BDP had hit the jackpot.
Though they haven’t disclosed the final tally, the gala dinner ended on a high note, with the auction proceeds serving as the cherry on top of a successful fundraising day.