Mayor of Cape Town switches on Festive Lights for the first time [PICS]

The new mayor of Cape Town, Geordin Hill-Lewis, turned on the Festive Lights in Adderley Street on Tuesday, 30 November.

For the second year running, the Festive Season lights in the City of Cape Town were switched on with little fanfare. Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said it was an honour to light up Adderley Street but was saddened that the streets were not teeming with people as is usually the case.

HILL-LEWIS REMINISCES AT FESTIVE LIGHTS SWITCH-ON

Hill-Lewis said he remembers his mother bringing him to Adderley Street to see the switching on of the lights as a child, in a speech on Tuesday night, 30 November.

“Back then, I could not have imagined I’d one day be here switching those lights on, continuing this wonderful Cape Town family tradition. I am so proud to be sharing this moment with you and my own family, at the first switch on event as Mayor of this beautiful city,” said the new mayor.

He said the event, which is normally accompanied by a free concert and busy market, is usually attended by 100 000 people. The mayor said the decision to not open the event, which has become a tradition over the last five decades, to the public was the right one due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“I hope that very soon we will be able to see Adderley Street packed again, from St. George’s Cathedral all the way down to the Heerengracht.”

Away from the CBD, festive lights were also switched on in Muizenberg, Grassy Park, Macassar, Strand, Somerset West, Sir Lowry’s Pass, Ravensmead, Valhalla Park, Khayelitsha, Hanover Park, Mitchells Plain and Atlantis. Furthermore, 90 Christmas trees erected in areas across the metro will be draped in lights.

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The theme for 2021 is “Cape Town: City of Opportunities.” Hill-Lewis said it plays into his vision for the city. The mayor plans to turn Cape Town into “a beacon of hope” for the rest of South Africa in 2022 and beyond. He said regardless of faith the message this festive season is one of care and love.

“I encourage every Capetonian to do something – just one thing – this December to bless and help someone less fortunate.

“By doing just one random act of kindness, we will help to build the more inclusive, more caring Cape Town that we are working towards.”

Written by: Storm Simpson