[Image: Instagram / mella_bella_gable]
Ster-Kinekor has ghosted another one of its cinemas, this time pulling the plug on its Gateway Theatre of Shopping complex in Durban. The curtain dropped for the last time on 8 May 2025, and just like that, fade to black.
This marks the second sneaky closure from the cinema chain, with moviegoers catching on quicker than the PR team would’ve liked.
Earlier this year, the lights also went out at Ster-Kinekor’s Bedford Square location in Bedfordview. That spot was swiftly scooped up by rival Nu Metro, who clearly had popcorn and ambition on hand.
Now, the whispers say Nu Metro’s also circling the Gateway carcass like it’s the final act of a corporate thriller. While Nu Metro didn’t respond to confirm the rumour, and when Ster-Kinekor was asked whether their old turf was being handed over to their popcorn-peddling rival, they kept their lips tighter than a Marvel press embargo.
Gateway Theatre of Shopping, however, wasn’t shy about confirming the obvious. “Gateway Theatre of Shopping can confirm that Ster-Kinekor has officially closed at the centre,” they said.
“A new cinema operator will be taking over the space, and further details will be shared on our social media platforms in due course.”
And here’s where it gets juicy: Ster-Kinekor told MyBroadband they didn’t choose to shut down Gateway, which sure sounds like landlord drama.
“We part ways with Gateway on good terms and with mutual respect,” a Ster-Kinekor spokesperson told MyBroadband. “We are proud to have been part of the centre’s entertainment offering and are grateful for the positive relationship we’ve enjoyed over the years.”
Ah yes, the ol’ “mutual respect” breakup. Classic corporate-speak for “it’s not you, it’s rent.”
“Ster-Kinekor remains focused on future growth and continues to invest strategically in areas that promise long-term value,” they said. “We 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.”
That’s a bold claim considering Gateway’s been a cinematic hotspot since The Matrix was still cutting-edge. But sure, go off.
Let’s not forget: this stealthy double-closure follows last year’s grand proclamation that they weren’t going to close seven locations. Flash forward, and here we are, Bedfordview and Gateway both KO’d with zero fanfare.
Back in April 2024, Ster-Kinekor laid out a sobering scene: staff cuts, up to nine cinemas on the chopping block, and a script rewritten by load-shedding, economic gloom, and the Hollywood actors’ strike.
“As these are forces largely out of the business’s control and the financial impact is likely to endure for some time, Ster-Kinekor has had to review its cost structure to ensure the continued survival and sustainability of the business,” it stated.
By February 2024, 236 staffers were staring down retrenchment notices like extras waiting to see if they make it to the sequel. The roles at risk were just about everyone, from IT to the CEO’s office.
Cheaper cinemas were in the firing line too, as R65 to R75 tickets weren’t cutting it. Bayside, Cedar Square, Maponya, Southgate, Matlosana, Sterland, Shelly Beach, Boardwalk, Mimosa… the list reads like a “last seen alive” reel.
But then, plot twist: Ster-Kinekor managed to restructure with a lot less blood on the cutting room floor. By May 2024, the damage was significantly dialled down with fewer closures, fewer layoffs.
CEO Mark Sardi took to the stage: “We initially assessed that 236 jobs might be affected. However, we ended up retrenching just 52 employees, and these were largely head-office related,” said Sardi.
He also insisted staff would be redeployed wherever possible, and hinted at reimagining some sites as hybrid entertainment-education spaces – so maybe less Fast & Furious, more STEM & furious?
“Initially, Ster-Kinekor was considering closing nine of its cinema sites, but at this stage, only two sites have been impacted — Boardwalk in Richard’s Bay and the Greenstone Mall,” he said.
“Of the remaining sites identified, the company is currently in discussions with landlords and partners to consider different entertainment and education strategies within the cinema space.”
So the show goes on, but with more cliffhangers, off-screen drama, and quiet exits than your average Netflix thriller.
[Source: MyBroadband]
