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By Everson Luhanga
- The City of Ekurhuleni has ordered Slotjhile Pub and Shisanyama in Thembisa to close permanently on Tuesday over zoning non-compliance.
- More than 150 workers at Slotjhile face an uncertain future, with over 2,000 people signing a petition for a solution.
More than 150 workers are facing an uncertain future after a court ordered Slotjhile Pub and Shisanyama in Esselen Park, Thembisa, to close permanently.
The City of Ekurhuleni issued the court order after the venue failed to comply with municipal zoning regulations. The closure takes effect on Tuesday.
Slotjhile has operated for eight years. Over that time, it became a popular meeting place for families, music lovers and local community groups.
The venue hosted the Tembisa Jazz Festival, which featured Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It also supported the Run Thembisa marathon and ran weekly soup kitchens for vulnerable residents.
General manager Cornelius Raseobi said some structures on the property are built on municipal land. He said the business had been trying to get the land rezoned.
“We have been attempting to secure rezoning approval for the past nine years. Unfortunately, our applications have not been successful,” Raseobi said.
Management said employees will not be retrenched. They will be moved to other company outlets.
More than 2,000 people have signed an online petition asking the City of Ekurhuleni to find a solution. The petition had reached 2,011 signatures at the time of publication.
The author of the petition described Slotjhile as a place of unity and opportunity for young people. Closing the venue, the author said, would affect livelihoods and community support systems.
Slotjhile thanked customers, staff and the community for their support over the years.
Pictured above: More than 2,000 residents have signed a petition to stop the closure of Slotjhile Pub and Shisanyama in Thembisa.
Image source: Supplied
