Death of the dancefloor: Point of no return for nightclubs :: Mmegi Online

While other businesses in the economy have reopened since the COVID-19 restrictions last year, nightclubs have remained closed since March 21, 2020. Nightclubs have become a forgotten sector comprising nearly 40 businesses and about 1,700 direct jobs. Club owners and managers say even if restrictions are lifted tomorrow, most of the businesses will be gone. Staff Writer, MBONGENI MGUNI writes

Some of the premises formerly used as nightclubs have been converted into Chinese retail chops, industry stakeholders revealed this week. Property owners who leased out their premises for clubs around the country have grown weary of adding up arrears over the months without receiving payment and have begun terminating contracts and renting out to better-paying customers.

The snowball effect of the March 21, 2020 decision to close nightclubs and discos has shattered an industry and ruined lives. Lessors owe the banks, nightclub owners have not been able to operate since that day and even with the most lenient of arrangements, rental arrears have ballooned with no hope in sight of settlement.

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