Representatives of the National Basketball Association (NBA) of the United States of America paid a visit to the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory this morning and enjoyed a tour.
The group included retired NBA player and basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo, administrators and a representative of NBA sponsor Nike.
“They came as part of the ‘Basketball Without Borders: Africa’ programme,” explained Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory CEO Sello Hatang.
“They have been conducting clinics in South Africa, and today was their last day.
"They loved the centre and would like to see how best they can help preserve the legacy of Nelson Mandela through the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory. We hope to be working closely with the NBA in future, especially in the Youth in Dialogue programme we will be running in the near future.”
Said Mutombo: "Having the opportunity to visit the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory and seeing the rich history and teachings of Madiba come to life was extraordinary. It is critical for all of us to support the Foundation's work and ensure future generations can benefit from his knowledge and wisdom."
Members of the NBA delegation (from left): Todd Jacobson, Tara Gutkowski Schwartz, Rich Shoebrooks, Dikembe Mutombo, Rose Mutombo and Earl Patton, with Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory CEO Sello Hatang
Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory CEO Sello Hatang (right) welcomes retired NBA player Dikembe Mutombo to the centre
Members of the NBA delegation tour the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
The NBA delegation receives a briefing in the auditorium at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
The NBA delegation receives a briefing in the auditorium at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Dikembe and Rose Mutombo at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory
Senior archivist at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory, Razia Saleh, shows Dikembe and Rose Mutombo around the archives
Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory CEO Sello Hatang shows the group from the NBA some of the materials relating to Nelson Mandela in the centre's collection
The NBA visitors enjoying the displays at the Nelson Mandela Centre of Memory