Yusuf Omar
MEN in blue overalls were the only performers on stage yesterday as they removed debris at the Mofolo Cultural Bowl after it was destroyed by fire.
Smoke still smouldered from the remains, almost 20 hours after the blaze that burnt one of Soweto’s oldest cultural heritage sites to the ground. The fire started at around 6.30pm on Wednesday, and firefighters finally extinguished the blaze at 8pm.
Formerly known as the Five Roses Bowl, and described as the “rainbow stage” because of its vibrantly hand-painted beams and roof, it is now a pile of rubble. Only the rear stage wall was still erect at the building, which was undergoing refurbishments over the past few weeks.
“The cause of the fire is yet to be identified,” said Joburg emergency services spokeswoman Nana Radebe as members of the fire investigation team spent the day searching for clues.
She said the fireman who was injured during the fire was still at Netcare Milpark Hospital.
“He is in a stable but serious condition with injuries to the neck, shoulders and head and a fractured leg after a support beam collapsed on him,” she said.
The unique structure was constructed in 1976 and had hosted many arts festivals, gospel choir competitions and the annual Pale Ya Rona Carnival. Local and internationally acclaimed musicians such as Hugh Masekela, Sibongile Khumalo, Phillip Tabane and Sipho “Hotstix” Mabuse performed at the venue.
“That is so shocking. It is tragic to have such an iconic space that was there during apartheid burn down. I have fond memories, bad memories and conflicting memories of that stage,” said Mabuse.
He said he was planning to use the space for an open concert for his birthday celebration later in the year. Mabuse said he would be going to Mofolo Park to see the damage.
A man who said he was a drummer – but refused to give his name – said the bowl was his second home.
“I used to come here every day for the past 11 years to practise. Now I will have to practise at home.
“All the greats played on this stage. It’s a real shame to lose such an iconic venue,” he said.
Mofolo resident Paul Mashaba said he was shocked by the fire.
“This was our landmark. Now we have nothing. I knew this place since it was built. It was nice to walk through the park every day and hear violin students practising,” he said. – Additional reporting by Mpiletso Motumi