The Slotjhile Pub & Shisanyama in Tembisa, a popular entertainment and community hub, will close permanently on March 3, 2026, following a court order issued by the City of Ekurhuleni. The closure puts over 150 jobs at risk, according to management.
The nine-year-old establishment, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural significance, received notice on Thursday, February 26, 2026, to halt operations. Management stated the decision stems from unresolved zoning compliance issues related to structures built on municipal land. Attempts to secure rezoning approval over the past nine years have been unsuccessful.
Slotjhile Pub & Shisanyama has served as a key venue for local events, including the annual Tembisa Jazz Festival, which has featured prominent artists such as Ladysmith Black Mambazo. It as well supported community initiatives like the Run Tembisa marathon and provided weekly soup kitchens for vulnerable residents.
“Some of our structures are situated on municipal land, and we have been attempting to secure rezoning approval for the past nine years. Unfortunately, our applications have not been successful,” management said in a statement. The impact of the closure is expected to be significant, particularly for the establishment’s workforce.
Management emphasized the socio-economic consequences, stating that many of the 150+ employees are young people and primary breadwinners for their families. “We do not view our employees as mere numbers, but as households,” a spokesperson said. “Many of our staff members are breadwinners, and this decision means that more than 150 households will now be left without income.”
To mark the end of its operations, Slotjhile Pub & Shisanyama will host a farewell event, themed “The Last Dance,” on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The event will feature Kaya FM’s Thabo ‘Tbose’ Mokwele, Metro FM’s Wilson B. Nkosi, and comedian Mashabela.
The City of Ekurhuleni has not yet issued a public statement beyond the court order, and the future of the land occupied by Slotjhile Pub & Shisanyama remains unclear.
