The days of the iconic Eyethu Cinema in the Mofolo section of Soweto in Johannesburg are numbered, marking the end of an era for the historic building that was a symbol of film noir and cultural pride. The Citizen can confirm that the cinema, where the all-black film Joe Bullet released in 1973, before being quickly banned by the apartheid government after two screenings, will make way for a shopping center. Now abandoned, the cinema was not only the place where liberal film distributors in the 1970s made the debuts of great Hollywood noir films like The Wild Geese but also …
The days of the iconic Eyethu Cinema in the Mofolo section of Soweto in Johannesburg are numbered, marking the end of an era for the historic building that was a symbol of film noir and cultural pride.
The Citizen can confirm that the cinema, where the all-black film Joe Bullet released in 1973, before being quickly banned by the apartheid government after two screenings, will make way for a shopping center.
Now derelict, the cinema was not only the place where liberal film distributors in the 1970s staged the debuts of major Hollywood noir films like The Wild Geese, but also hosted key community events like reunions. civics, concerts and weddings.
The first black-owned cinema was established in 1969 by a businessman and former mayor of Soweto, Ephraim “Mshengu” Tshabalala was also a center of local and international entertainment.
Partygoers were entertained by performances from artists such as Sipho “Hotstix†Mabuse Ladysmith Black Mambazo as well as international artists Percy Sledge, Brook Benton and Timmy Thomas.
Tshabalala’s daughter, Ntombikayise, who lives in her parents’ house on Tshabalala Street, a stone’s throw from the cinema, said she learned that the cinema would be demolished via the vineyard.
“I am also in the dark but I know that my brother [Mandla] made a deal with developers to build a shopping complex… It won’t happen and people are angry because it is a historic place and I was not consulted. I didn’t agree with that, â€she said.
Tshabalala said they were looking for developers for the property, but said the deal called for the cinema to be kept.
She said there was currently a dispute over her father’s properties and the case was before the courts.
“I don’t see this happening because we are in court. There are three signatories to the properties, myself, my sister, who has cancer, and my brother. [Mandla]. All I know is that there was a meeting two weeks ago to kick off the development, â€Tshabalala said.
Mandla Tshabalala could not be reached for comment and has not yet responded to the texts.
Gauteng Arts and Culture Department spokesman Nomazwe Ntlokwana said he was not aware of plans to demolish Eyethu Cinema
Margarete Mandla, 59, who lives across from the cinema, said she had fond memories of the establishment but agreed it had to go because it was now a hideout for criminals and an eyesore.
“I watched the Lion King there, we danced and had a great time, but now that time is over. All we have are great memories. It’s sad, but it has to go, “she said.
Ndala Mkhize, 60, will not forget the Pan-Africanist Congress (PAC) meetings held at the facility, saying that if it were his the building would be turned into a noir film museum.
He remembered how they watched Chinese karate movies on weekdays at the cinema and the first meat pie he ate.
“The cinemas were in town and we weren’t allowed in town because we are black. So when Mshengu opened this cinema, it was a beginning of pride and entertainment culture. I met my wife at the cinema, â€Mkhize said.
