City Unveils South Africa’s First TV Museum to Promote Industry Growth
Cape Town has once again made history with the launch of South Africa’s first-ever TV Museum.
The Tevolution Museum was inaugurated on Wednesday, showcasing the fascinating journey of television technology and innovation over the last seventy years.
This achievement is the result of a collaboration between the Western Cape Government, Hisense SA, and the SA Sendinggestig Museum. In 1976, as the first South African households began to receive television broadcasts, Hisense was an emerging radio and TV manufacturer in China.
Today, it stands as the leading consumer electronics brand actively investing in South Africa.
Cultural Affairs and Sport MEC, Ricardo Mackenzie, remarked: “This museum not only celebrates technological progression, but also emphasizes the Western Cape as a center for creativity and economic advancement.”
Guests traveled through a timeline of television history, from the classic wooden box TVs with bunny-ear antennas to the latest 110-inch UX display.
This remarkable model, which is priced at just under R400,000, is among the largest commercially available screens in South Africa currently.
It is manufactured locally at Hisense’s Atlantis factory, which provides employment for over a thousand South Africans.
Hisense SA’s Marketing Manager, Alex Chen, emphasized the distinctive aspect of the Tevolution Museum, stating: “The Tevolution Museum is a first for the nation.
“It not only chronicles Hisense’s technological journey, but also inspires young scientific minds by showcasing the innovations we have developed.”
The museum will welcome visitors starting December 5, offering an engaging experience that merges art and technology.
Guests can anticipate exploring a futuristic Laser Cinematic Room equipped with vertical projectors and marvel at an interactive exhibition featuring a touch-sensitive, stringless harp.
Ron Martin, Chairperson of the SA Sendinggestig Museum, believes the Tevolution Museum reflects the incredible advancements of human creativity throughout history, and he is proud to have the Museum as its neighbor on Long Street.
He explains: “This exciting project captures the essence of storytelling – bridging the past and present through the lens of television, which has served as a gateway to the world for countless South Africans.”
The museum is not solely a venue for entertainment; it also aims to offer educational resources. With planned school tours, art exhibitions, and workshops, it is set to become a vibrant center for learning.
Cultural Affairs and Sport Head of Department, Guy Redman, hopes that initiatives like this can create jobs and opportunities for the youth to share their own stories.
Redman adds: “We look forward to welcoming many school children through these doors.”
Daily Voice