Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
THE long-abandoned Pumula Old Open Air Cinema, popularly known as the Arena, is set for a new lease of life after Pumula Royal Arts and Community Awards (PRACA) founder and executive director Happy Mpofu confirmed the successful acquisition of a long-term lease for the iconic community landmark.
The lease application was approved by the City of Bulawayo last month, culminating in the official signing ceremony today, Tuesday.
The milestone marks the successful realisation of a journey that began in September 2025 under the Public Spaces Transformation Project. Implemented through a collaborative partnership between Yellow World and Home of Arts Entertainment, the initiative was designed to prove that neglected, abandoned, and underutilised municipal assets can be reclaimed and transformed into vibrant hubs for youth empowerment, sustainable development, and creative expression.
Speaking after the signing ceremony, an ecstatic Mpofu described the achievement as a victory for grassroots persistence and community-driven advocacy.
“After a long journey of advocacy, engagement, and unwavering commitment to transforming neglected public spaces, we are proud to officially announce that our lease application for the Pumula Old Open Air Cinema was approved last month, and today we officially signed the lease agreement,” Mpofu said.
For years, the Open Air Cinema had sat dormant, a shadow of its former self during the golden era of township arts and recreation. The newly signed agreement officially hands over the reins to the youth-led organisations to breathe fresh life into the space.
Mpofu said the milestone is a testament to the power of collective youth action and extended appreciation to the local authority and community stakeholders who backed the vision from its infancy.
“We extend our sincere gratitude to the City of Bulawayo, community leaders, stakeholders, partners, volunteers, and everyone who supported this vision from the beginning. Your belief in this initiative has made this achievement possible,” he noted.
However, the PRACA chief was quick to point out that the formal paperwork is just the foundational step of a much larger journey. With the lease secured, the consortium is set to roll out an aggressive restoration and activation roadmap aimed at turning the Arena into a self-sustaining cultural ecosystem. This revitalisation will begin with immediate infrastructural rehabilitation and clean-up of the open-air theatre facilities, followed by the activation of a dedicated creative hub where local artistes, filmmakers, and performers can rehearse and showcase their work.
Additionally, the space will host community programming centred on youth empowerment workshops and sustainable development initiatives to ensure the Arena serves as a vibrant, multifaceted resource for the neighbourhood.
“Today marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. The real work now begins as we embark on the journey of restoring, developing, and activating the Arena into a thriving public space that serves the people of Pumula and beyond. The dream is no longer just an idea—it is now a responsibility,” Mpofu added.
Management has indicated that updates on the phased transformation process and upcoming opportunities for community collaboration will be shared in due course. – Follow on X @MbuleloMpofu
