South African influencer, author, and reality TV star Kefilwe Mabote has clapped back at critics who are questioning why she continues to showcase her luxurious lifestyle.
In January, Kefilwe shocked her followers when she posted a video on social media of herself burning several expensive Versace items, especially those with the famous Medusa logo. She explained that the act was symbolic. It was her way of letting go of “idols” — things she said had unknowingly taken over her heart.
Fast forward to recently, Kefilwe posted a YouTube video where she shared her lavish experience in Cape Town. As usual, she showed high-end fashion, luxury hotels, and fine dining. However, not everyone was happy about it. Some people went to the comments section to criticise her, saying her luxurious posts did not match her earlier statements about no longer idolising material things.
Kefilwe quickly responded. She made it clear that showing luxury does not mean she worships it. “When I said I would no longer idolise material things, I meant that. Idolatry begins in the heart, it is when possessions possess you, when you find your identity, security, or worth in them. What I do is work, it’s a craft and calling, and I happen to operate in the luxury space. That does not mean I worship luxury. It means I know how to steward influence without being enslaved by it. Let’s be clear: scripture does not condemn wealth or beautiful things. It condemns the love of money, not money itself,” she said.
She continued by explaining that she had turned away from loving things too much, but that did not mean she should stop living a life of excellence or abundance. “I’ve repented from idolising things, not from excellence, not from abundance, not from taste, and certainly not from living in the fullness of what God has graced me with,” she said.
Kefilwe also advised her critics to focus on understanding faith properly rather than judging others. “There’s a difference between being rich in things and being poor in spirit. I strive for the former every day, meaning embracing humility, being teachable and dependent on God. You may be ‘confused’, but let that confusion drive you to seek truth, not to throw stones. Study the Word. Ask the Holy Spirit for revelation. And remember, judging a believer’s heart based on their handbag is a surface level theology that says more about you than it does about Christ,” she added.
It’s clear that for Kefilwe, living a luxurious life and living by faith can go hand-in-hand — and she’s not about to apologise for it.
