The Zeitz MOCAA BMW Centre for Art Education presents the book launch and exhibition opening of The Stories that Ran Away on Saturday, 25 April 2026, 3 pm – 5 pm, celebrating three new titles in the series.
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.
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 writer and illustrators will sign the books that will be available for purchase at the Zeitz MOCAA Shop.
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.
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.
Entry
Free to attend with standard museum admission of R265 pp.
Zeitz MOCAA members have free access on presentation of valid membership.
Children under 18 enter free.
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.
