POLOKWANE – Construction of the Limpopo Provincial Theatre at an estimated cost of R396m is in progress and the project is scheduled for completion during 2027.

The state-of-the-art facility is located next to the Bakone Malapa Open-Air Museum along the R37 (Chuenespoort road) and once completed, will feature a 600-seat main auditorium, a 200-seat secondary hall, as well as a restaurant, coffee shop, bookshop and a bar among others.

Read more: Bakoni Malapa confirmed as new site for provincial theatre 

The project involves no direct costs to residents of the city as the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture contributed R45m towards the costs, while the balance is funded through equitable shares from National Treasury, bringing the total cost for contractors and consultants to R396 416 093.

The project began in February 2024 and is a collaboration between several Limpopo departments, including sport, arts and culture and public works, roads and infrastructure as well as the Polokwane and Capricorn District municipalities.

The MEC for Culture, Jerry Maseko, and veteran South African actor and playwright Dr John Kani, visited the site last Thursday to assess the construction progress and at the sod-turning during August 2024, the MEC for Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure, Ernest Rachoene has committed the department’s determination to deliver quality infrastructure.

Read more: R54,9 million for State Theatre

“We are here today, together with Maseko, and from where I am standing, the project is moving smoothly. I am confident that we are going to deliver on time, and we were very clear in terms of quality that needs to be done so that we deliver a theatre of top class. Our people have spoken on what they want and as the ANC-led government we are delivering on those services,” Rachoene said.

The project came to a halt in August last year when residents and SMMEs invaded the construction site, citing the reason being the department’s failure to provide employment to local workers and forced workers to cease operations and vacate the site.

The project was placed on hold by the Department of Public Works, Roads and Infrastructure for one day and construction resumed after engagements between Rachoene and the protestors.