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- The iconic Eyethu location in Soweto is getting a new lease of life in the form of the Eyethu Shopping Centre.
- The location once housed the much-loved Eyethu Theatre, one of the first black-owned cinemas in South Africa, and later the Eyethu Lifestyle Centre.
- The space has always fostered and nurtured arts and entertainment talent.
In the heart of bustling Mofolo in Soweto, a new construction, the Eyethu Shopping Centre, has evoked a vivid sense of nostalgia.
This iconic spot was once home to Eyethu Theatre, which has long been cherished by the community here. The theatre was one of the first black-owned cinemas in South Africa.
In later years, it housed the Eyethu Lifestyle Centre, an arts and entertainment hub for the Soweto community.
Now, it's been given a new lease of life, with construction expected to be completed by October.
Senzo Nhlapo: The artist's journey
Senzo Nhlapo, an artist who grew up in the area and went from doodling on paper to crafting murals worldwide, is responsible for the murals gracing the Eyethu Shopping Centre.
Nhlapho's childhood home was just a stone's throw from here, and he told News24 that his artistic journey was forged through experiences at this very site. His project at Eyethu therefore marks a significant return to his roots.
"Eyethu held immense significance for me and our community," Nhlapo reflected.
"It wasn't merely a cinema but a bustling economic hub. Here, we sold sweets, relished 'amakipkip' [the colourful sweet puffed corn snack] and witnessed vibrant markets – a microcosm of life.
"All these experiences profoundly shaped my perspective and my art."
The 1980s in South Africa posed significant challenges for young black artists seeking to find their creative voices, envisioning a world beyond the township's confines. However, amid these streets, the belief in boundless possibilities thrived.
"We grew up in an era where our parents instilled in us the belief that if we desired something, we had to pursue it," Nhlapo said.
"Many of us embraced this ethos and found our place in the world."
Nhlapho says he first realised the potential value of art during Eyethu's days as a black-only cinema. He was actively involved in creating art, which included graffiti and assisting in the advertising of upcoming films.
"I earned my first rand at Eyethu," he fondly recalled.
"With a weekly income of R73, I had approximately R20 for my school lunch – a considerable sum for a young boy."
Preserving heritage through murals
Preserving cultural heritage can be a Herculean task, especially when structures crumble and infrastructure deteriorates. Nevertheless, murals are a potent tool for transforming unsightly spaces into large canvasses that rekindle interest in areas slipping from view.
Nhlapo said:
On his return to South Africa and after witnessing Eyethu's deteriorating state, it felt like seeing a colossal downfall. Nhlapo rallied artists from his community and used graffiti to narrate a compelling story for the space.
Eyethu's revival: A community affair
In the heart of Eyethu, where history speaks through every brick and artwork, young children debate the identities of the iconic musicians depicted in Nhlapo's latest mural. Taxi drivers momentarily pause to observe his work and families stand outside for hours, watching him in action.
His journey is far from solitary; Nhlapho has seamlessly woven himself into the fabric of the community. His strategically placed artwork across the township contributes to the collective identity of the place.
Through his murals, Nhlapo does more than just add aesthetic splendour; he pays homage to the power of art and the enduring connection between a neighbourhood and its cherished landmarks.
