The basement of the Ernest Oppenheimer theatre has been flooded since 2020, which has led to dangerously high mould and humidity levels in the building. The pumps that regulate the water in the lower levels of the theatre have been broken since lockdown. On Monday (08/05) the building was condemned by the Labour Department and the staff were sent home. Dulcie Harris, theatre manager, regrets the closure, but sees it as necessary to ensure the safety of the staff and the public. Urgent meetings on Wednesday have set the ball in motion and engineering experts have been called in to save the theatre. Dr Vuyo Adonis, executive director of Matjhabeng Corporate Services, has described the Oppenheimer as Welkom’s own heritage site that must be saved at all cost. Repairs and reconstruction should be completed within six months. Photo: Supplied


Attempts to save theatre

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