South Africans know what it’s like to enjoy a movie night, with the aroma of freshly-popped popcorn and the excitement of watching the latest blockbuster in the dark. When news broke that Ster-Kinekor had closed its cinema in Durban’s Gateway Theatre of Shopping, movie fans felt the loss of a golden era.
This decision is not just a business decision. It’s also a reflection on the changing tides of entertainment consumption and the challenges facing our cinema industry today. We’ll take a closer look at the reasons for this closure, its impact on us and the future of the South African cinema.
Ster-Kinekor’s closure at Gateway Mall is a sudden change.
Even when we’re saying goodbye to our favorite entertainment spots, it can be difficult. Ster-Kinekor’s cinema at Gateway shut its doors on 8 May 2025. Many regular moviegoers were left wondering what had happened. This cinema has been a favorite for many years. Gateway’s Ster-Kinekor was the perfect place to take your family or friends on a date night.
Closing the facility wasn’t a decision made at random. Ster-Kinekor’s spokesperson confirmed that the closure was mutually decided with Gateway management. It’s unfortunate that the space will be taken by another operator. Nu Metro is a possibility. This is part of an overall trend in South Africa’s cinema industry where companies are reevaluating business models to deal with changing consumer preferences.
What is really going on?
Why did this happen, then? It may be shocking to those who remember the days when cinemas were packed. Ster-Kinekor has, like other businesses, had to make difficult decisions in response to economic and social pressures. South Africa’s energy crisis is one of them, as are the rising cost of living and the changing ways people consume entertainment.
Economic Struggles, Load-Shedding and the Silent Killer
Businesses across the country faced unprecedented challenges in the last few years. Cinemas were particularly hard hit. Load-shedding is a part of everyday life for many South Africans. It has also affected cinemas. Imagine driving to the cinema only to discover that there is no electricity and the movie has been cancelled or delayed. Ster-Kinekor wasn’t the only business that suffered from this kind of unpredictable unpredictability.
Mark Sardi, CEO of Gateway Cinemas, explained that the power cuts and the economic climate led to the closure of several cinemas. This included the Gateway Cinema. As inflation has risen and moviegoers are feeling the pinch, the cinemas have seen less people come through their doors. Sardi said, “We needed to consider what was viable for the business as well as how we could remain relevant in an ever-changing market.” This type of strategic thinking is essential for any business that wants to survive in the modern world.
Cinemas are becoming obsolete with the shift to streaming.
The rise of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime is another important factor. These services have revolutionized the way we view movies. It used to be that we would go to the cinema to watch the latest blockbuster. Now, this can happen in the comfort of your own home. South Africans can now watch films on demand without having to pay for tickets or park. This convenience has caused some to reconsider their cinema visits.
Analysts in the industry believe that streaming services have played a major role in the decline of cinema attendance around world. Although there is still something special about watching a movie on a big screen, many South Africans prefer to watch it at home. This is especially true with the increasing costs of living.
What’s next for South African Cinema?
Ster-Kinekor closing at Gateway Mall may seem to be a sign that cinemas are no longer in South Africa, but it is not. The future of cinema is still up in the air. Some experts think that the cinema experience can still be enjoyed on a large screen, especially if cinemas adapt.
Dr. Angela Msimang is a media expert at the University of Cape Town. She believes that cinemas are still able to thrive because they offer experiences that streaming platforms cannot. The cinema experience is more than the movie. She explained that it’s all about the community, the excitement of watching with others and the spectacle of a big screen. Dr. Msimang says that cinema chains must embrace new technology and create immersive experiences in order to survive.
Cinemas need to innovate if they want to stay relevant. It could be incorporating VR or 4D experiences or improving sound systems. Or it might mean hosting exclusive screenings not available on streaming platforms. It’s important to offer audiences an experience that they cannot get at home. This will make the trip to the movie theater worthwhile.
Look to the future: Can South African cinemas recover?
The closing of Ster-Kinekor in the Gateway Theatre of Shopping serves as a reminder of South Africa’s cinematic challenges. It also opens up the possibility for change and innovation. Cinema chains can adapt to changing consumer and technology habits.
Ster-Kinekor and other cinemas can find new ways to engage the audience and reimagine movie-going. There is still hope for South Africa’s cinema culture. It’s still not too late to bring back the big screen.
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