NOBEL Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu has proved to be one of South Africa's most endearing icons, fetching the most money at an online auction in aid of a mental health organisation.

NOBEL Peace laureate Archbishop Desmond Tutu has proved to be one of South Africa's most endearing icons, fetching the most money at an online auction in aid of a mental health organisation.

A yet-to-be named bidder forked out R11500 for a lunch date with Tutu in support of the South African Depression and Anxiety Group's (Sadag) teenage suicide helpline.

Twelve local celebrities including "Blade Runner" Oscar Pistorius, 5FM DJs Elana Afrika and Fresh, Independent Democrats president Patricia de Lille, comedian Barry Hilton and former Miss South Africa Basetsana Kumalo took part in the online auction. Kumalo proved to be the second most popular celebrity - fetching R2100.

Bidding began last week at R1 and ended on Tuesday.

Money raised from the auction will be donated to Sadag's teenage suicide-prevention campaign, called "Suicide Shouldn't be a Secret".

According to Sadag, their toll-free helpline is the only one offering professional help daily to teenagers.

Sadag spokesperson Roshni Parbhoo said the organisation had reached its target of R25000, which would keep the helpline "going for a while".

Parbhoo said the details of the bidders were not yet available.