Media release

Zeitz MOCAA’s BMW Centre for Art Education announces the media preview, book launch and exhibition opening of The Stories that Ran Away, celebrating three new titles in the children’s book series

(Cape Town, Tuesday, 14 April 2026): Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa’s BMW Centre for Art Education announces the media preview, book launch, and exhibition opening of The Stories that Ran Away on Saturday, 25 April 2026.

Following the success of the inaugural children’s book series published and launched in 2024, this second iteration introduces three new titles: Nkanyamba, One World, One Family, and Why Fire and Water Are Enemies. Written by Meridian Berndt alongside illustrators Isabelle Grobler (One World, One Family), Jax Lamb (Why Fire and Water Are Enemies), and Vix Venter and Zhi Zulu (Nkanyamba), these stories explore humanity’s relationship with the natural world, reflecting on our impact on and responsibility toward the earth.

The Stories that Ran Away exhibition celebrates the three new titles through original artworks from the books, honouring and reclaiming African myths, legends, and creation stories. On view until Sunday, 7 June 2026 in the tunnels on Level -1 at the museum, children are invited to explore a magical world inhabited by strange creatures and enchanting characters.

In the exhibition, we are delighted to present the artworks by the learners from Steenberg Primary School. Museum educators from the BMW Centre for Art Education will facilitate art lessons for the school. These specially designed lessons will give learners the opportunity to interpret the creatures and characters in some of the stories. For some of these learners it will be their first experience of working with art materials.

Liesl Hartman, Head of the BMW Centre for Art Education, shares: ‘At the heart of this children’s book series is the legacy we hope to build by profiling stories from Africa for a younger generation. We want children to see themselves reflected in these narratives and to take pride in stories that originate on the continent. These books are not only about storytelling; they affirm that African stories matter and deserve to be celebrated and carried forward by a new generation.’

The day begins with a media preview at 10 am, including a panel discussion offering insight into the project’s curatorial and educational vision. Media, artists, illustrators, literary professionals, and art educators are invited to the media launch. The writer and illustrators will share their experience of co-creating these books and the importance of engendering a love and engagement for books and reading in children.

From 3 pm, the afternoon unfolds as a celebratory gathering for children, families and special guests, transforming the museum into a vibrant interactive space. The programme includes a guest talk by Cape Town–based Ugandan author Philippa Namutebi Kabali-Kagwa, who has spoken at TEDxTableMountain and TEDxPrinceAlbert. Her memoir, Flame and Song, was published in 2016.

Performances by alumni of Magnet Theatre, an independent physical theatre company actively engaged in youth development, bring some of the characters to life and engage children through movement, costume, and play. Experiences will traverse the museum, from the exhibition in the tunnels to interactive installations and a photo booth. The books will be available for purchase at the Zeitz MOCAA Shop, and the writer and illustrators will be available for a book signing at the event.

The first four titles in the series—The Tale of Mouse and the Stories that Ran Away, First Light, Nya Nya Bulembu, and Khvum and the Crocodile Woman—are reimaginings of stories from different parts of Africa that tell of beginnings, creation, journeys and transformation. The writer and illustrators evoke worlds of wonder and magic, each with unique skills and styles that have brought all seven titles in the series to life. Original and digital artwork for these first four titles will also be displayed in the exhibition.

These publications affirm the museum’s commitment to being a space for children, building meaningful bridges between art, literacy, and imagination. To ensure these important works reach the widest possible audience and foster deeper cultural connection, Zeitz MOCAA partnered with African Literary Agency in November 2025. With their extensive networks, expertise, and deep understanding of the continent’s creative literary landscape, the Agency is uniquely positioned to bring this series to a global stage. More significantly, they share our commitment to amplifying African voices and advancing the fascinating and magical narratives these publications seek to convey.

Beyond the book launch and exhibition opening of The Stories that Ran Away, an ongoing programme of public activations will follow during the course of the year, including a Teachers’ Walkabout in May to inspire an educational activation for teachers, as well as A Night at the Museum for children during the June school holidays for an immersive evening of exploration, storytelling, and creativity.

The BMW Centre for Art Education continues to advance the museum’s mission to inspire community engagement with art while contributing to the growth of Africa’s literary ecosystem. Through its work, the Centre develops education programmes focused on youth access, art education, and sustained collaboration with schools, educators, and communities.

The Zeitz MOCAA BMW Centre for Art Education extends its thanks to Orms Print Room & Framing, Long Life Lettering, Radiant Projects PTY Ltd, and Carpet & Decor for their generous support of the book launch and exhibition opening of The Stories that Ran Away.

The global representation of The Stories that Ran Away is generously supported by African Literary Agency, with special thanks to Founder Bieke van Aggelen and children’s book agent Mercy Kirui.

Zeitz MOCAA’s education programming is generously supported by BMW South Africa.

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Click the link to RSVP for the Media Launch.

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For media enquiries, contact:
Esther Henderson, Communications Manager, esther.henderson@zeitzmocaa.museum
Evaan Jason Ferreira, Communications Specialist, evaanjason.ferreira@zeitzmocaa.museum

Issued by Zeitz MOCAA Communications.

About Zeitz MOCAA

Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a public not-for-profit institution that collects, preserves, researches and exhibits contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora; conceives and hosts international exhibitions; develops supporting educational, discursive and enrichment programmes; encourages intercultural understanding; and strives towards access for all. The museum’s galleries feature rotating temporary exhibitions with a dedicated space for the permanent collection. The institution also includes the BMW Centre for Art Education and the Koyo Kouph Atelier, a museum residency programme for artists living and working in Cape Town.

Zeitz MOCAA is situated at the Silo District, South Arm Road, V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, and is open Monday through Sunday, 10 am to 6 pm (with last entry at 5.30 pm). zeitzmocaa.museum

About the University of the Western Cape (UWC)

The University of the Western Cape (UWC) was founded in 1960 and occupies a unique space in the South African higher education landscape. It is a dynamic institution committed to excellence in learning, teaching, research and innovation in a globally competitive environment whilst remaining true to the values and ethos that have shaped its identity as a university rooted in serving the public good. uwc.ac.za

About The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation

The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation is the United States’ largest supporter of the arts and humanities. Since 1969, the Foundation has been guided by its core belief that the humanities and arts are essential to human understanding. The Foundation believes that the arts and humanities are where we express our complex humanity and that everyone deserves the beauty, transcendence and freedom that can be found there. Through our grants, we seek to build just communities enriched by meaning and empowered by critical thinking, where ideas and imagination can thrive. Learn more at mellon.org.