Even though the cinema ceased operating, its impact on the community of Soweto has never waned. Through Eyethu, the Tshabalala family is rebranding this cultural hub by establishing a precinct that will contribute towards the promotion of the arts ecosystem in Soweto. As Eyethu Lifestyle Centre we host an array of functions, including private, corporate and government functions. Through a range of initiatives and events such as art exhibitions, wine tasting evenings, live band performances, night markets and book fairs, we seek to be the ultimate art and entertainment venue in Soweto. Through collaborations with various stakeholders within the creative economy within Soweto and beyond, it’s our aim as Eyethu Lifestyle Centre to encourage cultural exchange with the greater African diaspora on the continent as well as on a global scale. We’ve established ourselves as the premier wine lifestyle venue in Soweto and through Eyethu Cellar Door we seek to create more networks and to develop a platform for African food pairing with wines. Eyethu Gallery is at the forefront of driving the contemporary arts sector within Soweto. We aim to invest further in the development of a vibrant creative economy as well as that of young talent in the creative industry. In the long term we envision our brand as a world-renowned arts and entertainment venue that anchors the nucleus of tourist attractions, playing a pivotal role in the sustainable development of the township economy.

Specialising in screening films that featured local film talents including the likes of Cynthia Shange, Ken Gampu, Joe Mafela and Sophie Mgcina, Eyethu Cinema was also a cultural sanctuary during a tumultuous time in South Africa. With a seating capacity of 1200, Eyethu Cinema cemented its place in the hearts of the community of Soweto by also giving back. Funding initiatives were created to donate and assist old age, disabled and children’s homes. Its pioneering founder Ephraim Batana Tshabalala was instrumental in instilling the culture of cinema in Soweto when 16mm film projectors were dominant in schools, backyard garages and community halls. Through Tshabalala’s dedication Eyethu Cinema became a vital cog in the development of arts and culture in the township. Since its doors closed in the early 1990s when black people were allowed to freely integrate, Eyethu has remained standing –with its walls being repurposed by street artists. The Tshabalala family are restoring Eyethu Cinema, priming it to be a central attraction in an arts and cultural precinct that celebrates the vibrant heritage of Soweto. Housing a treasure trove of culturally significant historical moments within its walls, Eyethu Cinema tells the story of “our own” and steps into the future as a vital and celebrated landmark in the Sowetan cultural landscape.