The Dome: A New Era for South Africa’s Creative and Entertainment Industry

In the heart of Johannesburg’s Nasrec area, adjacent to the iconic FNB Stadium, a new chapter in South Africa’s entertainment landscape is unfolding. The Dome, unveiled with great anticipation, is more than just a venue—it is a bold statement by the Gauteng Provincial Government and industry leaders on their commitment to revitalizing the creative economy.

At the launch event, Premier Panyaza Lesufi, Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture Gayton McKenzie, and Gauteng MEC Matome Chiloane emphasized the venue’s strategic importance in bolstering South Africa’s entertainment industry. The Dome, with its capacity of over 10,500, now stands as the country’s largest dedicated live entertainment space, a move seen as a direct investment into the local creative sector.

“The Dome is not just about hosting world-class events; it is about creating opportunities for our artists, our creatives, and the thousands of people who work behind the scenes in the entertainment industry,” said Premier Lesufi. “This is about job creation, economic stimulation, and making Gauteng the ultimate hub for arts and culture.”

The Dome spans over 6,000 square meters and is designed to accommodate a variety of events, from concerts and exhibitions to conferences and cultural showcases. Unlike past venues that have largely catered to international acts, the government and stakeholders have assured that The Dome will be a launching pad for South African talent.

Minister McKenzie emphasized that the venue aligns with the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture’s broader mission to develop local artists and make the entertainment industry more inclusive. “This is more than bricks and mortar; it is about building dreams and ensuring that the arts sector thrives beyond just a few elite names. We want to see township musicians, dancers, poets, and performers using this stage as a platform to the world,” McKenzie stated.

One of the most pressing concerns within the creative industry has been access to professional venues for grassroots artists. The Dome’s management, in collaboration with the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture, and Recreation, has committed to initiatives that ensure emerging talent can afford and access the space. This includes mentorship programs, reduced costs for independent productions, and partnerships with local cultural organizations.

“This venue will not just be for the elite,” said MEC Matome Chiloane. “We are working on structured programs that will allow local artists, young entrepreneurs, and even film and television productions to benefit from the space.”

The unveiling of The Dome is also expected to boost the creative economy by attracting investment, tourism, and job creation. Through partnerships between the government, private sector, and industry stakeholders, the venue is expected to create thousands of jobs across event management, security, catering, stage production, and artistic performances.

Live Nation, one of the world’s largest entertainment companies, has already committed to hosting major events at The Dome. This is a signal that Johannesburg is ready to reclaim its spot as the leading entertainment hub in Africa. Nigerian Afrobeat’s superstar Tems has been announced as the first major international artist to grace the venue with a headline concert in March 2025.

As South Africa continues to push the boundaries of music, fashion, and performance arts, The Dome symbolizes a new dawn. It is a space where local talent can flourish, global partnerships can be forged, and the cultural richness of our nation can be showcased.

The message from government officials is clear: The arts and entertainment industry is not just a sector—it is an economic force. With The Dome, South Africa is investing in a future where creativity is not only celebrated but also financially sustainable for those within the industry.

As Gauteng moves forward with its mission to grow the province into Africa’s leading creative hub, The Dome stands as a beacon of progress, inclusivity, and economic empowerment. The real question now is: How will the industry take advantage of this opportunity to shape the future of entertainment in South Africa?