Gateway Theatre of Shopping Mall has confirmed the closure of their Ster-Kinekor cinema and hey are planning new cinema ideas that could attract even bigger audience. The cinema complex screened its final films on 8 May 2025.
ALSO READ: Maskandi musician Mayoghurt proposes to Ukhozi FM host 11 years his senior
Ster-Kinekor confirmed the closure in a statement. “While the decision to close the site was not initiated by Ster-Kinekor, we part ways with Gateway on good terms and with mutual respect,” the company said. “We are proud to have been part of the center’s entertainment offering and are grateful for the positive relationship we’ve enjoyed over the years.”
They also thanked loyal moviegoers who supported them and said bigger plans are on the way. They are currently in advanced discussions around three proposed new cinema locations, all of which are expected to surpass the historical attendance levels previously recorded at Gateway. Gateway’s marketing manager, Ayesha Sewbaran, confirmed the closure. She said a new operator will be taking over the space. “Gateway Theatre of Shopping can confirm that Ster-Kinekor has officially closed at the centre. A new cinema operator will be taking over the space, and further details will be shared on our social media platforms in due course,” she said.
ALSO READ: Gigi Lamayne bags a massive car endorsement!
Last year, Ster Kinekor announced that they would be laying off 236 employees and shutting down at least nine cinemas in South Africa. This is after the movie exhibitor exited business rescue. A statement from the employees of Ster Kinekor said that the company, which is now managed by UK-based Blantyre Capital Ltd and Greenpoint Capital Pty Ltd, had declared plans to engage in the Section 189(3) process after issuing a notice to make 236 primarily previously disadvantaged employees redundant. The layoffs impacted staff in the chief executive officer’s office, marketing, sales, human capital, information technology, business operations, content, finance, head office, regional operations, and cinemas. In 2022, Blantyre Capital and Greenpoint Capital to over R250 million senior secured debt facility to fund future operations, facilitate the exit of business rescue, and refinance the existing capital structure.
Bongi Sikelo 