Famous Johannesburg strip club in hot water

The Summit Club in Hillbrow, Johannesburg, is in hot water, allegedly owing the city R2.6 million in unpaid power bills and facing allegations of violating multiple by-law regulations.

The Summit Club was built in 1962 and was the tallest building in Hillbrow at the time. It became a landmark in the city.

Thirty years later, it was transformed into an upmarket and exclusive Adult Entertainment Centre.

It was the first multiracial strip club of its kind in South Africa, and claims to be the longest-running strip club within Southern Africa.

The Summit Club’s building consists of 14 floors, 94 rooms, 3 bars, and 2 exclusive Striptease Venues.

It also features slot machines, pool tables, and a full-service kitchen offering buffet and gourmet food into the early morning hours.

Given its location in Hillbrow, the club emphasises safety, providing 24-hour manned and security-escorted parking lots with CCTV for its patrons.

It maintains its own in-house gym and operates continuously during power outages using high-capacity generators.

On Tuesday, 13 January 2026, the City of Johannesburg’s Executive Mayor, Dada Morero, posted details about the city’s alleged problems with The Summit Club.

Isaac Mangena, the spokesperson for City Power, claimed that The Summit Club and hotel owes the city R2.6 million in unpaid power bills.

“Additionally, the club opened a new account while leaving the old one with a R2.6 million outstanding bill. This is considered fraudulent,” he said.

However, it does not stop there. He said the club is also non-compliant with building control plans and lacks fire safety plans.

Furthermore, he stated that the club is in breach of Section 4 of Regulation A25, which is linked to an internal layout change without an approved building plan.

“The Summit Club is required to either restore the building to its original plan or submit the new plan for approval,” he said.

UPDATE – The Summit Club responded to queries on 14 January 2026, which can be found below:

The Summit Club said that it does not owe any amount to the City of Johannesburg.

They said that they have the same meter number as someone else who is responsible for the R2.6 million owed to the city council.

They claim that the electricity was unlawfully cut due to this mismanagement/misallocation on the part of the city.

“The club remain open for business and has never before fallen behind with its electricity bill.”