NBA Cares
Prize(s):
WINNER 2026 ARCHITECTURE / Cultural Building Architecture | ARCHITECTURE / Public building Architecture
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Sindiso Nyoni
Design Team / Other designer(s): Colour My Kasi, Colour My City
Client Name:NBA Africa/Duma Collective
Photo Credit:AltaTone
Project Location:Alexandra Township, Johannesburg South Africa
Design Status:Completed
Website: View
Video URL:View
Project Description:
Alexandra township in Johannesburg, South Africa. The refurbishment of four concrete basketball courts in Alexandra is part of NBA Africa’s initiative of growing the game of basketball and its footprint among the communities of South Africa.
Alexandra township in Johannesburg, South Africa. The refurbishment of four concrete basketball courts in Alexandra is part of NBA Africa’s initiative of growing the game of basketball and its footprint among the communities of South Africa.
Project Innovation / Specification:
The design and refurbishment of four concrete basketball courts in Alexandra Township form part of NBA Africa’s mission to grow the game of basketball and strengthen its footprint within South African communities. Inspired by the Zulu proverb “izandla ziyagezana” — meaning “one hand washes another” — the artwork celebrates the power of collective effort and shared progress. The design draws on the visual connection between the palmar creases of a hand and the lines of a basketball, symbolizing unity, support, and the idea that no one rises alone. Words such as teamwork, innovation, respect, and integrity are boldly incorporated into the courts, reinforcing the core values that underpin both the sport and the project. Executed in collaboration with local carpenters, construction workers, and artists, the five-day refurbishment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when community and creativity come together to uplift and empower.
The design and refurbishment of four concrete basketball courts in Alexandra Township form part of NBA Africa’s mission to grow the game of basketball and strengthen its footprint within South African communities. Inspired by the Zulu proverb “izandla ziyagezana” — meaning “one hand washes another” — the artwork celebrates the power of collective effort and shared progress. The design draws on the visual connection between the palmar creases of a hand and the lines of a basketball, symbolizing unity, support, and the idea that no one rises alone. Words such as teamwork, innovation, respect, and integrity are boldly incorporated into the courts, reinforcing the core values that underpin both the sport and the project. Executed in collaboration with local carpenters, construction workers, and artists, the five-day refurbishment stands as a testament to what can be achieved when community and creativity come together to uplift and empower.
Project Sustainability Approach:
What the youth and community at large of Alexandra will learn on these courts transcends further than the four lines of the court. These courts will provide for them the ability to build and foster legacies of their own- to imitate their own local basketball heroes and the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon’s ‘Dream Shake’ and Dikembe Mutombo’s ‘Finger Wag’, while also cultivating the core values of what the NBA stands for: teamwork, innovation, integrity, and respect while celebrating the spirit of ‘ubuntu’ and the vibrant and unapologetic ‘kasi’ lifestyle.
What the youth and community at large of Alexandra will learn on these courts transcends further than the four lines of the court. These courts will provide for them the ability to build and foster legacies of their own- to imitate their own local basketball heroes and the likes of Hakeem Olajuwon’s ‘Dream Shake’ and Dikembe Mutombo’s ‘Finger Wag’, while also cultivating the core values of what the NBA stands for: teamwork, innovation, integrity, and respect while celebrating the spirit of ‘ubuntu’ and the vibrant and unapologetic ‘kasi’ lifestyle.
Local and Regional Impacts of the Project:
The courts were unveiled during the NBA basketball without borders community outreach program held in Johannesburg during a junior coaching session/ clinic with some visiting NBA stars. The aim of the project as a whole illustrates the impact beauty and infrastructure can do to inspire the young mind despite the harsh surroundings of growing up in the townships. The Alexandra community will be able to make the game their own- celebrating the beauty and rich culture of the township that conjures the beauty of togetherness -and tells a story of how basketball is also African and a vehicle to inspire people.
The courts were unveiled during the NBA basketball without borders community outreach program held in Johannesburg during a junior coaching session/ clinic with some visiting NBA stars. The aim of the project as a whole illustrates the impact beauty and infrastructure can do to inspire the young mind despite the harsh surroundings of growing up in the townships. The Alexandra community will be able to make the game their own- celebrating the beauty and rich culture of the township that conjures the beauty of togetherness -and tells a story of how basketball is also African and a vehicle to inspire people.
Lead Designer(s) Name(s):Sindiso Nyoni
Profile Description:
A Bulawayo-born, Johannesburg-based graphic artist, illustrator, and activist known for his subversive street-style visual art. Also known as R!OT, he addresses pressing African issues through mixed media and has exhibited globally, including at MoMA (Mexico City), The Guggenheim Bilbao, and The Vitra Design Museum. A BTech Graphic Design graduate from the University of Johannesburg, he has worked in South African advertising and served on major design juries, including the Loeries and Design Indaba. He was a keynote speaker at Kyoorius Designyatra 2023 (India) and Zgraf 13 in 2025 (Croatia).
A Bulawayo-born, Johannesburg-based graphic artist, illustrator, and activist known for his subversive street-style visual art. Also known as R!OT, he addresses pressing African issues through mixed media and has exhibited globally, including at MoMA (Mexico City), The Guggenheim Bilbao, and The Vitra Design Museum. A BTech Graphic Design graduate from the University of Johannesburg, he has worked in South African advertising and served on major design juries, including the Loeries and Design Indaba. He was a keynote speaker at Kyoorius Designyatra 2023 (India) and Zgraf 13 in 2025 (Croatia).
Previous Awards Won:
2023 - Clio Awards - Bronze Winner for Eversana Intouch + Global lyme Alliance, New York (Contributing illustrator/artist - New York)
2023 - Clio Awards - Bronze Winner for Eversana Intouch + Global lyme Alliance, New York (Contributing illustrator/artist - New York)
