On Monday, 30 October 2023, the Western Cape Government signed a Letter of Intent with Chinese manufacturer Hisense to establish a new museum of household appliance technology in Cape Town. 

This project is likely to cost the provincial government several million rands, and provides a direct promotion for the foreign company, which employs only 1000 direct employees and 5000 “indirect” employees, according to their official website.

This move aims to promote the now 25 year trade link with Shandong Province. Director-General for the Department of the Premier, Harry Malila, opened the event by thanking the Chinese government for the relationship. The focus was Hisense, an electronics and household appliance manufacturer with factories based in Atlantis.

The Atlantis factory was launched in 2013, involving a R350million initial investment, and produces an average of 400 000 refrigerators and televisions per annum. Hisense has managed to increase their LED TV and refrigeration market share by 25% and 14% respectively.

The museum project will be funded by the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS), which is responsible for museums in the province. This museum will tell the story of household appliance manufacturing in South Africa, but will also contain various studios, for art, technology, animation and coding, to attract the youth into employment under the Chinese manufacturer.

Guy Redman, the Head of Department for Cultural Affairs and Sport, waxed lyrical on the power of museums to attract young people and change their mindsets:

“The museum we are creating is a museum of the future. We want to inspire South Africans to imagine alternate futures for themselves and believe in their abilities to create that desired future. We want them to appreciate what could be, and give them the tools to make it happen.”
  
Anroux Marais, the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, thanked the Chinese delegation in glowing terms:

“It is very important that we have this ongoing relationship and that we continue to strengthen it as it continues to bring new economic opportunities to our youth. We are also looking forward to hosting young people from Shandong later this year for sailing events.” she said.