The Buffalo City Metro (BCM) has finally sent out a notice about the closure of the Orient Theatre effective from Monday next week.
The closure of the much-loved venue came after its suitability to host events was brought into question as it was flagged by Boxing South Africa (BSA) last December.
BSA cited the appalling condition of the venue highlighting quite a number of defects including the absence of lights in boxers’ changing rooms as well as toilets, which also didn’t have lights.
And this coming Sunday’s Last Born Boxing Promotions tournament, which is going to be headlined by a vacant South African minimumweight title contest between Mthokozisi Ngxaka and Thami Luthuli, is the last show at the venue until it has been renovated.
A report, which BCM is in possession of, clearly states that the council must note the dangers that are posed by the condition of the Orient Theatre. The report further stated that the eastern side, which is said to be sitting on a scaffolding, should be demolished before it collapses on its own and cause more damage that may lead to fire or death of people.
“Please be advised that the Orient Theatre will not be available for use from Monday, 31 March 2025 until further notice. The closure of Orient Theatre is due to further renovations that will be taking place,” BCM general manager of community development Mawethu Marata said in a correspondence.
Minister of Sport Gayton McKenzie promised during last month’s boxing convention in East London that the Orient Theatre was going to be renovated.
“We will fix Orient next Monday, not in three weeks. If we don’t fix Orient Theatre, we are doomed,” McKenzie said at the convention.
