947 radio host and actress Thando Thabethe, along with SAFTA-winning actress Linda Mtoba, made a glamorous arrival in San Francisco, California, for the highly anticipated NBA All-Star Weekend 2025. Their presence brought a touch of South African flair to the celebrated global event.
The duo was joined by Nigerian actress Osas Ighodaro as they immersed themselves in the festivities of the star-studded weekend. Together, they proudly represented African talent at one of the world’s most iconic basketball events, held in the Bay Area, home of the Golden State Warriors and the famous Golden Gate Bridge.
Celebrating African Excellence
Thando Thabethe is widely known for her dynamic presence in the entertainment industry, making waves on radio and television. Meanwhile, Linda Mtoba has earned acclaim for her acting prowess in hit shows such as Queendom, The River, and Isibaya. The two stars expressed excitement about attending the event and representing South Africa on such a prestigious international stage.
Thando Thabethe
“It’s an honour to represent South Africa at such a prestigious international event,” Thabethe said before heading to the U.S. “I’m excited to witness the electrifying atmosphere of the All-Star Weekend and celebrate the global appeal of basketball.”
Mtoba shared her enthusiasm, adding, “I am so excited to be a part of the All-Star Weekend. I am looking forward to seeing all of the great basketball being played.”
Thando Thabethe
NBA All-Star Weekend Highlights
The NBA All-Star Weekend is a flagship event on the global sports calendar, featuring an action-packed lineup of games and competitions. The weekend kicked off with the Ruffles Celebrity Game and the Castrol Rising Stars Game on Friday, according to ESPN.
Saturday night showcased the State Farm All-Star Saturday Night, including fan-favorite events like the Kia Skills Challenge, Starry 3-Point Contest, and AT&T Slam Dunk Contest, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats.
The 74th NBA All-Star Game will take center stage on Sunday, promising thrilling moments for basketball fans worldwide. A notable highlight for Africa is the annual NBA Africa All-Star Luncheon, which celebrates the NBA, WNBA, and FIBA’s contributions to the African continent and highlights the growing influence of African basketball on the global stage.
Thando Thabethe
African Representation on the Court
Africa’s influence extended beyond the sidelines this year, with several players of African descent showcasing their skills during the All-Star festivities.
2024 Kia NBA Rookie of the Year Victor Wembanyama (France/Democratic Republic of the Congo) and three-time NBA All-Star Pascal Siakam (Cameroon) were among the African players featured in the All-Star Game.
In the Castrol Rising Stars Game, talents such as Bilal Coulibaly (France/Mali), Yves Missi (Cameroon), Toumani Camara (Belgium/Mali), and Alex Sarr (France/Senegal) demonstrated their impressive skills.
Thando Thabethe
NBA Africa and BAL Expansion
For South African basketball fans, there is more excitement on the horizon. The NBA and FIBA’s Basketball Africa League (BAL) will bring its first-ever BAL Playoffs and Finals to South Africa this June at the SunBet Arena in Pretoria.
This monumental event is expected to elevate the local basketball scene, offering a platform for homegrown talent to shine while further expanding the sport’s reach in the region.