Popular gay nightclub and social bar, Zero21 Social Club, is closing its doors due to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Owner Roberto De Faria says it's been a depressing time trying to keep the club open without any social events.
Club Zero21 was based in Zonnebloem since August 2016.
Roberto first started the LGBTI entertainment venue in Green Point in 2012, before it was relocated to District 6 in 2016 and a few months later to Zonnebloem.
Roberto told the Daily Voice: “It's sad to announce that Zero21 Social is permanently closing after many months of struggling through the pandemic.
“We’ve had to make the decision in cooperation with the landlord to vacate the premises as we don't see any chance of the club industry being able to operate in the near future.
“This was a safe space for the LGBTI community, it became a happy space where you could come enjoy yourself and not be judged.”
Roberto says even during lower levels of lockdown, the business was still not viable as the rental was too high to maintain with the 50 people they could allow inside.
The end of an era. But a new one to follow
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“This place was more than just a club, it was a help for many who would come there looking for family, a feeling of belonging. So it's really sad.”
Roberto says he now plans to open a restaurant, Zero21 Rooftop, at Buchanan Square in Woodstock soon.
“It will be a sit-down and cocktails place, this is the best way for me to keep the legacy of Zero21 alive.”