De Lille approves R4.5m for festive lights switch-on jol

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Cape Town - A whopping R4.5million will be spent on a one-night party to switch on Cape Town’s festive lights and so signal the start of the season. The event attracts thousands of people to the Grand Parade, where they enjoy free music and performances, but the highlight of the night is the switching on of the lights by the mayor. Incoming mayor Dan Plato will be switching on the lights this year. Outgoing mayor Patricia de Lille approved R4.5m for the event. “There is no additional funding required. Safety and security staff who are on duty for the festive season are deployed to events during this period,” De Lille said. She added that the value of the event was it was free.

“The annual festive lights switch-on is an institution in Cape Town that resonates with residents from across the city, as well as national and international tourists.

“The festive lights concert on the iconic Grand Parade is a free open-air event which continues to grow each year, drawing close to 100 000 people annually,” De Lille added.

Stop CoCT action group founder Sandra Dickson, however, said it just too much for a one-night jol.

“There are serious problems in our city and we are dealing with people who cannot even pay their water accounts, let alone put food on the table R4.5m is a bit of a stretch. The lights will be switched on, that is about the only significance of the event. Why spend R4.5m? That’s a bit of a push, given all the financial challenges we face in the city,” Dickson added.

But De Lille said the event ushers in the holiday season and signals the start of the festive season as well.

“It is also an opportunity to showcase the best in local and national entertainment.

“It is also an occasion for the City to thank residents for working for the city and it is a family event for people to come together and see our best artists free of charge and have an enjoyable day,” she said.

A whopping R4.5million will be spent on a one-night party to switch on Cape Town’s festive lights and so signal the start of the season. Picture: David Ritchie/African News Agency (ANA)

De Lille said the chosen theme is Cape Town, City of Inspiration, celebrating Madiba’s centenary.

“It is an opportunity for Capetonians and everyone joining us to ‘be the legacy’,” she said.

Added to the theme, De Lille said it was always a pleasure to see families, young and old, coming together and having fun.

“(And) enjoying what has become a highlight on the city’s annual events calendar. This event is a key example of how we are building an inclusive city as residents from across the city (come) to this free event.”

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