SA reacts to latest Ster-Kinekor cinema closure: It's too expensive!

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South Africans were quick to react to the news that Ster-Kinekor had shut its cinema complex at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping in KwaZulu-Natal – suggesting they weren’t surprised in the slightest.

Ster-Kinekor officially closed its cinema complex in the Durban shopping mall last week, with its final day of operation being Thursday, 8 May.

Not the first closure

That marked the second closure this year, following the earlier shutting of its Bedford Square complex in Bedfordview, which was later taken over by rival chain Nu Metro.

While Nu Metro is also rumoured to be taking over the Gateway location, both companies have declined to confirm the transition.

Ster-Kinekor, however, stated the closure was not initiated by the company, suggesting possible disputes with mall management.

Following the publishing of the article which quickly went viral, South Africans offered Ster-Kinekor advice as to how they may lure movie-goers in the future.

Its the popcorn and coldrink that costs an arm and a leg. Going to the movies these days is like taking a second bond – Luyanda

They been ripping off people for years. It’s about time they got their dues – Richard

It’s sad, but there’s just no market for cinema anymore – Razeen

Unfortunately streaming has it toll on the expensive Ster Kinikor. They should reduce the theater capacity from 5 or theaters to 3 or 2. Ask economical prices on the goods the sell. Maybe the families will turn up more. If I, with my family (3), what to go to whatch a show, its costing me +- R 600, for entrance and good. I can rather now use it more economical – Dawie

There are too many shows I haven’t watched on Netflix ,Showmax and Disney , going to a Cinema was pointless for me . We are sad that Jobs are lost but also keeping the Theatres running was very costly with no market – Mxolisi

Economy is dealing with us. While it was such a pleasure going out to cinema, it became unaffordable. Netflix, Shownax etc have taken and close to nothing to pay for the whole month – PassMash

The last I went to cinema was that week loadshedding came back. I went there to pass time and we were only 5 people watching a movie. The prices were very steep. Maybe if they drop prices people will go back to Cinema – Mazisi

The quality of movies is not what it used to be. Mostly aminated and DC or Marvel super hero or action hero. No more historical dramas, westerns, war films, musicals and really good comedies or great books made into a film. Most A List actors making movies for TV as so few roles available for them on the big screen. The price of tickets is also too high. R55 on pension Tuesday normal price double that. The arrival of Video Stores killed the Drive in and Netflix, Showmax, Prime are killing the theatres. End of an era – Josie

The ANC has created an economy where no one has money to do anything. Therefore everything good is closing down they’ll probably open a PEP stores in it’s place and call it progress – Kyle

Financial strain

The closure is part of a broader restructuring effort announced in 2024, driven by financial strain from South Africa’s tough economic climate, load-shedding, and disruptions in Hollywood that delayed key film releases.

At the time, the company warned that up to nine cinemas could be shut and 236 staff members retrenched.

Following the restructure, only two cinemas were officially closed – Boardwalk in Richards Bay and Greenstone Mall – and 52 staff members, primarily at head office, were retrenched.

However, the quiet Gateway and Bedfordview closures suggest further downsizing activity behind the scenes.

Despite these challenges, Ster-Kinekor insists it remains focused on growth.

The company said it is in advanced discussions to launch three new cinema sites, claiming they could surpass the historic foot traffic seen at Gateway.

Ster-Kinekor CEO Mark Sardi previously noted that the company continues to explore alternate models with landlords, including entertainment and educational uses for cinema spaces, in an effort to adapt to shifting market conditions.