In the year in which Nelson Mandela’s centenary celebrations are taking place across the world, with various initiatives staged in honour of the legend, BET Africa also jumped on the bandwagon by celebrating other legends who are doing great work in Africa.
On Wednesday, the entertainment channel held a Legends Dinner and hosted the who’s who of Jozi to a celebratory dinner for NBA basketball player Bismack Biyombo.
A rare night it was to see a wide variety of personalities in one space, to eat and be merry while also honouring the Orlando Magic’s player as the guest of honour.
The dinner was to highlight the good deeds that the young Democratic Republic of Congo basketball player has done for his home country.
Through his non-profit organisation, the Bismack Biyombo Foundation, Biyombo uses sport and education to provide young people with life skills that develop them to form integral parts of their communities.
Bismack also launched the #Childof Africa movement with Akon, Djimon Hounsou, Fally Ipupa, Isha Seasay and Didier Drogba to provide schools that bring opportunities and shelter to child labourers around Africa. A man worth celebrating.
The party was held at Moyo’s, in Parkview, and everyone had a good time. In between drinks, mingling and laughter, the spirit of Utat’ uMandela prevailed. The night was MC’d by local actress Nomzamo Mbatha, in a sexy figure- hugging dress.
She came in later than expected to give a programme for the night.
Others who also showed up were BET Viewer’s Choice Award recipient Sjava, Criselda Dudumashe, actor Jesse Suntele, comedian Donovan Goliath and Thuso Mbedu, among others.
An inspirational night to celebrate a young man who is following in the footsteps of greats like Nelson Mandela and will surely inspire many others to follow suit.
@Amanda Maliba