Johannesburg - Actor, comedian and four-time NBA All-Star Celebrity Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kevin Hart on Wednesday visited the Royal Bafokeng Jr. NBA Programme in the North West Province.
Before heading to the basketball court at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace, where he interacted with the youth in the Jr. NBA programme, Hart met Queen Mother of the Royal Bafokeng Nation, Her Majesty Mmemogolo Semane Molotlegi, who gave him a South Africa name Mpho, which means “Gift”.
Hart also visited Royal Bafokeng Civic Centre and learned about the history of the Royal Bafokeng Nation. He concluded his visit on a basketball court and took part in a three-point challenge with select players from the Jr. NBA Programme.
The actor is in South Africa for the first time as part of his “What Now?” Tour.
Hart, an NBA enthusiast, has participated in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game numerous times and has been named the MVP four times. He was a coach of Team USA when they faced Team Canada during All-Star Weekend in Toronto, Canada last month.
“I am excited to see these kids out here playing basketball and keeping in shape. I think it is extremely important for people to keep active because it keeps your mind in a great place because a healthy body equals a healthy mind and a healthy mind equals a healthy spirit. It all goes hand in hand and what I see here is kids not only being active but being positive and happy”
“The representation of South Africa that I have seen so far has been mind-blowing. Spending time with these kids today put a smile on my face, I know these kids were happy to see me but I got equally as happy. My most memorable moments were being beaten at shooting competitions by two kids.”
“My new name is Mpho, which mean Gift, basically because I give the gift of laughter, being given the name by the Queen Mother was unbelievable but I take things like this very seriously and I am humbled by it, whenever I come to South Africa don’t call me Kevin, call me Mpho”
African News Agency