A mission to clean up the theatre grounds has been started by the recently appointed CEO of the Performing Arts Centre of the Free State (Pacofs), Themba Dlamini. The initiative came after receiving a complaint from a concerned citizen about the state of the Pacofs garden and the theatre itself.  

Complaints about the institution were referred to the Department of Public Works, which owns the Pacofs complex. Dlamini, however, said he will not be waiting for procedures and processes to conclude, he will be doing it with his own money.

“With this initiative, Pacofs now takes full responsibility for the property. I will not wait for processes to conclude eventually to secure money to pay for the services. I am paying with my own money,” Dlamini said.

He said they needed to take care of the location's appearance and atmosphere since this will draw visitors. He will also be paying for a gardener to maintain the area. A contractor has been hired to install a security fence around the structure.

“The fence will solve many problems for the institution and its customers, by assuring a safe and clean theatre can be maintained. We want Pacofs to be buzzing with activity on its path to becoming a global role player in the arts,” Dlamini said.

Also, a contractor has been chosen to update the 1st Avenue entrance close to the André Huguenet Theatre. When finished, the entrance will resemble a hotel lobby and function as a reservations office.

The Pacofs garden restoration project has received a massive boost from Spoudazo Enterprises Trust, which is a registered Public Benefit Organisation in Bloemfontein.

This Organisation has made the decision to adopt and manage Garden Friends of Pacofs as a project under its administration, and it will be in charge of the project's accounting and any associated issues.

There have been a lot of calls, WhatsApp messages, and Facebook postings providing support for the idea.

The community has been nothing short of amazing in its support of the Pacofs garden restoration project, which is an exciting effort. The generosity of the Bloemfontein community has made the project successful, and the organisers are appreciative of all the help they have received.

On the final Friday in April, Pacofs will host another clean-up initiative.

OFM News