Public divided as ACDP protests removal of baby Jesus and Mary from Cape Town's Christmas lights
There is a debate around the type of lights included in the Cape Town Adderley street lights display
Image: Ayanda Ndamane/ Independent Media
The City of Cape Town has responded to criticism from the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) over the alleged removal of Christian symbols from the annual Festive Lights display on Adderley Street.
According to the City, for more than five decades, the Festive Lights display has become a beloved annual tradition, with thousands of people gathering to witness the magical transformation of Adderley Street into a display of twinkling lights and colourful decorations.
Each year, the Festive Lights are themed to incorporate different elements and icons representing Cape Town and its iconic landscapes and distinguishing features, including Table Mountain, penguins, Klopse, bells, wings, and more. The theme for the past few years has emphasised “hope,” including this year's theme, “United in Hope,” with tweaks made annually to update the display.
“No decision has been taken to remove any Christian or religious symbolism from the Festive Lights; in fact, angels, Mary, and baby Jesus feature as part of the different elements this year,” the City explained, noting that Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city made up of people from different religions and backgrounds.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has expressed outrage and profound disappointment over the recent removal of Christian symbols from the Christmas lights display in Adderley Street, Cape Town.
The party’s statement has been met with mixed reactions from the public.
In a statement, the ACDP highlighted that Christians make up approximately 80% of South Africa’s population, noting that the City of Cape Town’s decision is “not just disappointing but an affront to the majority of its citizens.”
The ACDP emphasised that Christmas lights have traditionally celebrated the birth of Christ, and the elimination of symbols such as the baby Jesus, Mary, angels, and other Christian icons undermines the cultural and religious heritage cherished by many South Africans.
The ACDP has demanded that the City immediately restore these Christian symbols to their rightful place in the display and called on the responsible City official, who has not yet been publicly identified, to explain the decision. “We seek transparency regarding which directorate authorised this removal and the rationale behind it,” the statement read.
Public reactions reflect a wide range of opinions. Samuel Benson, a Jewish South African, said: “Jewish South African here, have zero problem with your symbols. They also ridiculously changed the name to festive lights but to us they will always be Christmas lights.”
Kim Lerena Backos added: “City of Cape Town Christmas exists and is celebrated by millions around the world because of the birth of Christ. You can’t take the Christ out of Christmas even if you tried. My question is: why are you even trying, though? A step too far.”
Ashraf Samsodien commented: “It's a Christian celebration, the lights should represent Christians.”
Others criticised the focus of the debate. Michael Jacobs wrote: “Going on over lights, but some of these same pastors go on an all-expenses paid trip to 'stand with Israel,' but cannot condemn the genocide in Gaza.
“Pathetic Christian witnesses who worship a secular state. You cannot sell your soul for 30 pieces of silver and close your eyes to children being bombed and massacred in Gaza. Jesus said, I am the Way, The Truth and The Life, not the worshipping of a secular state of Israel.”
Meanwhile, Faheem Niezaam Anderson offered a contrasting perspective: “The lights in Cape Town never ever represented Christmas. That was and will always be known as the festive lights and has always united all of us, no matter if you are Christian, Muslim, or Jewish, and no matter where you are from. We all unite and enjoy.”
The ACDP said it stands steadfast with the Christian community and is insisting on an apology from the City, along with the immediate reinstatement of the symbols. “The erasure of Christian cultural identity is intolerable, and we will not remain silent while it occurs,” the party said.
This is a developing story.
tracy-lynn.ruiters@inl.co.za