PeacePlayers South Africa Storybook FINAL - Flipbook - Page 29
welcomed Nelson Mandela’s Children Fund and the petrochemical company Sasol as
funders.
Although the organisation was on the rise, there was a moment when things seemed to be
growing “too fast” Mthoko says. They grew to nearly 100 coaches and a programmes team
consisting of local university students and international fellows from the United States.
Mthoko often challenged his peers to think outside the box and for them to never shy
away from difficult conversations. One night, when Mthoko and Sean were driving,
Mthoko said to Sean - “dude, pullover.” They got a call from a teacher about a difficult
situation at
a participating school involving a participant’s well-being. Moments like these - hearing
about participants struggling - made them both feel that they were growing too quickly.
“Was basketball the right route to take to maximise impact?” They asked themselves these
important questions.
There was also a point when one of the staff members wanted to get all the coaches tested
for HIV and Aids, which would not have been an acceptable action. At some points,
Mthoko noted, “we were too excited to make a difference, without the cautious
mindfulness to understand people’s circumstances.” As a local, Mthoko was very sensitive
to how Africa was portrayed through the lens of their work.
Mthoko’s work with the organisation will never be forgotten. He was a local, strong
basketball voice with respect from people his colleagues didn’t quite have access to. Since
working with Playing for Peace, Mthoko has traveled the world with his own organisation,
Reach Sports Management and worked at Laureus Sport for Good Global, where he worked
for over 8 years as a Project manager on the African continent.
One word that comes to mind when he thinks about his Playing for Peace experience is
“grateful”. Mthoko says, “without basketball and Playing for Peace, I wouldn’t be where I
am.” He now serves as a global board member for PeacePlayers International and with the
NBA as their Social Responsibility & Player Programs Lead.
PEACEPLAYERS SOUTH AFRICA STORYBOOK
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