According to Ster-Kinekor, it's the first of its kind in Soweto and its opening is the latest move in Ster-Kinekor's ongoing drive to bring top quality entertainment to South Africans, with movie tickets costing just R16.00.
“There's no reason why Sowetans should have to travel long distances to see great movies on a grand scale,” says Ster- Kinekor CEO Fiaz Mahomed. “Ster-Kinekor is doing everything it can to provide unparalleled movie-going experiences to as many people as possible. This means world-class theatres in the right places with the affordable tickets prices. Maponya Mall is set to become a key destination and it's an obvious place for us to be.”
Soweto has a long association with films. The original Eyethu Cinema in Mofolo was a legendary meeting place for movie goers and an important cultural venue. The 1988 film, Mapansula, one of the first to use black actors to tell the story of black South Africans under apartheid, was shot in the township – as many other movies have been.
The area has spawned several important South African movie talents such as directors Dumisani Phakathi and Vincent Maloyi and actors Menzi Ngubane, Sonia Mbele, Zola and Sello Maake Ka-Ncube.
The 65 000 square metre Maponya Mall is the creation of businessman, Richard Maponya – himself a born and bred Sowetan. It is claimed to be the biggest in Soweto and already home to many of the country's leading retail brands.
Ster-Kinekor Junction Maponya Mall opens its doors for the first time on 27 September with an exclusive premiere for the who's who of Soweto.
