Zeitz MOCAA was once a ‘machine’, originally built in 1924 to store grain that fed a nation. Today, it stands as a creative machine that nourishes the hearts and minds of visitors with its internationally acclaimed contemporary art exhibitions, revealing the untold stories of the African continent and its Diaspora—both past and present. This ‘dream machine’ is powered by visionary artists, curators, and educators, supported by museum departments that celebrate African identities and challenge colonial perceptions. In this spirit, the BMW Centre for Art Education at Zeitz MOCAA is proud to host MyMachine South Africa, a global innovative educational initiative that harnesses creative confidence and expression to transform lives.
Welcome to the MyMachine South Africa Exhibition, where creativity meets possibility. This transformative initiative is led by Open Design Afrika in collaboration with The Initiative for Community Advancement—serving as the joint license holders of MyMachine South Africa. In partnership with the award-winning MyMachine Global Foundation, our mission is to ignite creative confidence and nurture future-making life skills among young South African children from disadvantaged communities.
MyMachine is a global movement operating in 47 countries that redefines education by empowering young children to believe that their ideas matter, that their ideas can make a difference. Through dynamic, hands-on STEAM education experiences and intergenerational collaboration, primary school learners are invited to dream big and design their own “Dream Machines.” Their imaginative concepts are transformed into fully functional prototypes by 3rd-year Industrial Design students from the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT), who work closely with the young innovators as their clients.
Each year, a primary school from a disadvantaged community is selected to ensure that the transformative power of creative education reaches those who need it most. This process cultivates critical thinking, practical problem-solving skills, and bridges generations—empowering children to become confident innovators and future-builders who will help people and the planet to thrive in the future.
As you explore the exhibition, witness the remarkable journey of these young creators whose “Dream Machines” embody resilience, imagination, and limitless potential. MyMachine South Africa is more than an educational project—it is a beacon of hope, a catalyst for aspiration and systemic change, a celebration of the power of creativity, and a platform that empowers our youth to step up and shape a brighter future for themselves, their communities, and the world.
Anchored by strategic partnerships with the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) and the BMW Centre for Art Education at Zeitz MOCAA, MyMachine South Africa integrates STEAM education, project-based learning, and intergenerational collaboration to equip South Africa’s youth with the skills, imagination, and resilience needed to thrive in an uncertain future.
Join us in celebrating the 2024 five Dream Machines designed by 2024 Grade 7 learners at Steenberg Primary School, and produced by CPUT design students. It’s time to celebrate the fusion of design, innovation, education and futures.
“Together, we can nurture the next generation of change-makers—one Dream Machine at a time.”