Country’s largest theatre up for sale

Augetto GraigWindhoekTsumeb’s historic TeaterHuis, the largest theatre in Namibia with seating for up to 535, is up for sale.The theatre is part of a resort that has six newly renovated en-suite rooms, two luxury en-suite rooms and two basic rooms as well as a four-bedroom house with a kitchen and living area that can also be used as accommodation. On marksman-properties.com, the property is advertised for N$9.275 million. According to owner Surine Bekker, she and her husband acquired the property in 2016, which had until then been considered a ‘white elephant’ because it had been dormant for so long.Its original name was the Riebeek Theatre, and Bekker said it was Tsumeb’s social heartbeat during its glory days.“With a lot of grace and little money, we designed the interior, the plans and so on.“I got old ‘vintage’ lights for free from a closed hotel in Windhoek, restored them and used them in the TeaterHuis. My artistic mother helped me a lot and with her practical ingenuity, I was able to save N$3 000,” she said.“Our first theatre performance was by South African singers Jannie Moolman and Corlea Botha on 16 July 2016, and it was fantastic.“Jannie was ecstatic about the acoustics and couldn’t stop talking about it,” Bekker said.Next dream“In 2018, we got an industrial catering contract and were then able to add extra guest rooms and also our house, finally calling TeaterHuis our home! In 2019, we finished building 14 rooms, and then Covid-19 hit,” she added.“After we completed the renovations, my husband and I decided to tackle our next dream: Setting up an independent centre for families where both parents have lost their jobs, where they can stay and work and receive counselling.“We have also been in very desperate situations and know how hard it can be when things just don’t work out. But, there is always hope if you trust in the Lord. He makes your paths straight!” she said.The last performance at TeaterHuis was by South African singer Jo Black in 2019.The property can accommodate groups of up to 23 people, and the theatre - which is still in excellent condition - has 535 amphitheatre-style seats upholstered in red leather, with a large stage and a state-of-the-art sound system, Bekker said.“Tourists absolutely love our place, and are so appreciative of our vision. In the meantime, we are busy installing new televisions and acquiring fibre internet. Only the best for our guests,” the owner said, who added that they are selling the property to realise their new dream.augetto@republikein.com.na

Country’s largest theatre up for sale

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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Country’s largest theatre up for sale

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Namibian Sun 2025-05-02

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