Masterminds@Play, the latest initiative from Mindful Masterminds, has officially opened its doors at Fourways Mall. This dynamic, woman-owned business is on a mission to empower South Africa’s next generation through the transformative combination of technology, innovation, and play.
Led by CEO and founder Avashna Ramnarain, Masterminds@Play strives to build a community where every child becomes a hero, every woman is empowered, and every leader prioritises Africa’s future.
The opening of the Masterminds@Play store marks the launch of a transformative learning space, where technology and play come together to inspire creativity, problem-solving, and collaboration. The superhero-themed mini-city encourages children to discover their unique strengths and build resilience. With state-of-the-art VR technology and STEM-focused zones such as Virtual Visionaries and the Super Science Lab, children can enhance their critical thinking skills, embrace technology, and gain confidence through immersive learning experiences.
“As a collective of forward-thinking, diverse minds, we are committed to nurturing a more inclusive and harmonious society. Our goal is to positively shape young minds, focusing on children, women, diversity, inclusion, and equitable employment to nurture future leaders in Africa,” says Ramnarain.
She explains that Masterminds@Play balances digital innovation with real-world play. “Children can engage in experiences that spark curiosity and creativity, for example, the Tree of Knowledge for reading and the Imagination Station for role-play, nurture confidence, and social skills.”
In line with its mission, Masterminds@Play has garnered the attention of prominent sponsors, including Epson, & Lenovo. Epson’s interactive laser projectors have enabled the venue to create dynamic learning environments in which children can engage with digital content in a highly interactive way.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with Masterminds@Play,” says Timothy Thomas, Country Manager at Epson South Africa. “It combines our leading projection technology with their vision for educational innovation. Through this partnership, we’re helping create engaging, interactive environments where children can explore, learn, and grow.”.
Lenovo provides the tech backbone for many of the activities, equipping the store with the PC hardware necessary to run its experiences smoothly. Yugen Naidoo, General Manager at Lenovo South Africa, shares, “At Lenovo, we believe in the power of technology to transform lives. Partnering with Masterminds@Play allows us to support the next generation of innovators with the tools they need to thrive in a tech-driven world. Together, we empower children to unlock their full potential through immersive learning experiences.”
In addition, Nestlé has generously agreed to donate Milo towards Masterminds@Play’s Free Expression Fridays social responsibility program through which children receive complimentary meals along with access to technology, ensuring that they engage their minds while receiving the nourishment they need to succeed. This initiative also provides access to underserved communities, making a meaningful impact across various socioeconomic backgrounds. The inclusive environment is designed to inspire creativity and growth while promoting community development.
The store’s offerings don’t stop at individual visits. Masterminds@Play caters for group bookings, birthday parties, and corporate venue hire, creating a tech-driven environment for training and events. With this holistic approach, the business ensures that learning is not only accessible but also engaging and empowering for children in grades one to 12, from all backgrounds.
Masterminds@Play envisions its new store as a catalyst for community enrichment and cohesion. Beyond providing technology learning, the space aims to cultivate family bonding through shared experiences, and the onsite store offers technology and educational toys to continue learning at home. Moreover, it also serves as a platform for local artisans to showcase their work, thereby contributing to the local economy.
Looking to the future, Masterminds@Play has ambitious plans to expand across multiple locations in South Africa and beyond, ensuring that children everywhere can benefit from its tech-driven, creative learning spaces. The company aims to forge partnerships with schools, local organisations, and corporate sponsors to bring these educational tools to more underserved communities.
“Ultimately, Masterminds@Play aspires to become a leading force in shaping the future of education, blending emotional and mental wellness with innovative technology to empower children for the future,” concludes Ramnarain.
For more information, please visit www.mastermindsatplay.com