South Africa’s largest cinema operator, Ster-Kinekor, has confirmed it will be closing its long-standing movie theatre at Cavendish Square in Cape Town early next month.
The last day of operation will be Monday, 2 June 2025, the company announced in a statement.
The closure comes as a result of a non-renewal of the site’s lease, marking the latest in a series of shutdowns by the chain in recent months.
“While this chapter closes, we’re firmly focused on the future and are actively investing in our current cinema complexes,” Ster-Kinekor said, assuring customers of improved viewing experiences at its remaining sites.
Series of silent closures
The Cavendish Square closure is the third in 2025 alone.
In March, Ster-Kinekor shut its cinema at Bedford Square in Bedfordview, Johannesburg, and on 8 May, it closed the Gateway cinema in Umhlanga, one of its largest and most high-profile locations.
While initial speculation pointed to rental disputes, Ster-Kinekor maintained that its exit from Gateway was amicable, stating it had parted ways with the mall “on good terms and with mutual respect.”
Meanwhile, competitor Nu-Metro has stepped in to take over operations at both Bedford Square and Gateway.
Navigating an industry in flux
Despite the closures, Ster-Kinekor remains optimistic.
CEO Mark Sardi said the company is in advanced talks to open cinemas at four new sites, described as “commercially attractive,” while also planning major upgrades at existing locations.
These include new Kids’ Cinemas and premium Cine Prestige lounges.
The company pointed to strong 2025 ticket sales as evidence of continued consumer interest in theatrical releases.
South African cinemas also face unique local challenges, including a weakened rand which increases the cost of importing international films.
A long road to recovery
Ster-Kinekor entered business rescue in January 2021 but was rescued by Blantyre Capital and Greenpoint Specialised Lending in a R250 million deal in 2022.
In April 2024, the company warned it might cut nearly a third of its staff and close up to nine cinemas nationwide.
However, it ultimately retrenched just 52 employees and closed only two cinemas: Boardwalk in Richard’s Bay and Greenstone Mall in Johannesburg.
Following the Cavendish Square shutdown, Ster-Kinekor’s national footprint will shrink from 39 to 34 locations, raising new concerns about job losses.
The company has not confirmed how many staff have been affected by recent closures but insists it seeks to redeploy employees wherever possible.
When last did you visit a Ster-Kinekor to watch a movie?
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