Ster Kinekor halted the screening of Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom on Friday.
The announcement came after the company posted a tribute to the former South African president on its Twitter page the morning after news of his death broke. “We are deeply saddened by our beloved Madiba's passing and join with the rest of our country and the world to honour his memory,” the message read.
“We have decided, along with the producers of the film not to screen Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom ,as scheduled today, as a sign of respect.”
They then reassured customers that the hold on screening was temporary, adding: “Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom film shows will continue as planned from tomorrow, 7 December 2013.”
Certain users responded with disappointment, saying that the move was unnecessary.
“Hey @sktheatres I think that the opposite would be MORE respectful: free showings of the biopic!!! /CC (sic)”, wrote AndrewJacksonZA.
“I don't agree with @numetro and @sktheatres' decision to pull all Mandela screenings. Today is the day you should be screening it the most,” added ElBroide. - IOL