The City of Johannesburg marked the 45th anniversary of the Roodepoort Theatre with a gala celebration on Heritage Day, 25 September.
Founded in 1980 as the Pro Musica Theatre, the venue has become a beacon of artistic excellence, having staged more than 400 operas and 500 symphony concerts. In 2013, under then CEO Xoliswa Nduneni-Ngema, it was incorporated into Joburg City Theatres and has since grown into a vibrant home for diverse productions and community engagement.
The anniversary event reflected this legacy with a programme that blended performance, recognition, and commemoration for over 300 guests. It also featured the launch of the 45th Anniversary Book, chronicling the theatre’s journey, and honoured long-serving staff members.
In his keynote address, MMC for Community Development, Cllr Tebogo Nkokou, paid tribute to the theatre’s impact: “It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you on this historic occasion – under the fitting theme Celebrating Iconic Stars & Golden Chronicles. Today, we pay tribute to a living legacy – 45 years of creativity, excellence, and resilience in the arts.
“Since its founding, this theatre has grown into a cornerstone of Johannesburg’s cultural life, nurturing artists and inspiring communities. The unveiling of the Walk of Fame today immortalises 30 legendary figures whose craft has illuminated our stages and enriched our national identity.”
Written by Maseipati Tsotsotso