Explore the secret tunnels of African legends at Zeitz MOCAA

Have you ever wondered where stories go when they aren't being told? Deep beneath the ground in a secret maze of tunnels, a world of magic is waking up. On April 25, the Zeitz MOCAA museum is opening a giant "portal" called The Stories that Ran Away, and you’re invited to step inside.

Get ready to meet giant serpents, brave heroes, and creatures you’ve only seen in your dreams as Africa’s oldest legends turn into a brand-new playground just for you.

This isn't just an art show—it’s a celebration of three amazing new books written by Meridian Berndt. These stories take you on a journey to discover how we can be best friends with Mother Earth:

• Nkanyamba: Discover the mystery of the legendary water serpent.

• One World, One Family: A story about how we are all connected.

• Why Fire and Water Are Enemies: A classic tale about why these two powerful forces just can’t get along!

If you visit the tunnels on Level -1, you won’t just see art by professional illustrators. You’ll also see masterpieces created by students from Steenberg Primary School! These young artists used paint and imagination to bring the "whimsical creatures" from the books to life.

If you join the fun on launch day, the museum turns into a festival starting at 3 pm:

• Special Guests: Famous authors will be sharing their favorite tales.

• Live Action: Actors from the Magnet Theatre will jump, dance, and act out the stories right in front of you.

• Explore the Tunnels: Walk through a "magical realm" filled with colourful pictures and hidden surprises.

If you can’t make it in April, don't worry! There are even more cool events coming up:

• A Night at the Museum (June): Imagine exploring the art galleries with a flashlight and hearing stories in the dark!

The best part? These stories belong to Africa, which means they belong to you. Come see yourself reflected in the legends and find out why these "Stories that Ran Away" are finally coming home.