South Africa’s leading cinema chain, Ster-Kinekor, has announced plans to close nine of its cinemas across the country as part of a sweeping restructuring effort that will see nearly a third of its workforce laid off.

According to reports, 236 employees approximately 32% of Ster-Kinekor’s 728-strong workforce will be affected by the retrenchment process.

The closures will impact cinemas in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. The locations earmarked for shutdown include Bayside in the Western Cape; Boardwalk, Mimosa, and Shelly Beach in KwaZulu-Natal; as well as Cedar Square, Maponya, Matlosana, Southgate, and Sterland in Gauteng.

The cinema industry has faced mounting challenges in recent years, with the COVID-19 pandemic accelerating shifts in consumer behaviour and pushing many moviegoers toward digital streaming platforms.

Ster-Kinekor has not yet provided a timeline for the closures or a detailed strategy for its future operations. However, the company has indicated that the decision was taken in response to ongoing economic pressures and the need to ensure long-term sustainability.

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