Cherise Makubale said Mandela was "my role model"

Cherise Makubale, 24, was crowned victor of the reality TV show's $100,000 (�63,000) prize on Sunday.

"You are a beautiful young lady," former South African president Mandela told her on Tuesday. "How many boyfriends have you got?"

Her stepfather told the Zambian Daily Mail she has been deluged by marriage proposals from as far away as Canada.

Makubale, known as Tumba, beat 11 other housemates from different African countries after 106 days locked in a house together.

'Immoral'

The show proved popular with viewers across the continent, but less so with politicians and religious leaders who criticised it for being "immoral" and too explicit.

Makubale named Mandela as one of her heroes, alongside Mother Theresa and former Zambian President Kenneth Kaunda.

"He is actually my role model," Makubale said of Mandela. "This is huge for me.