ACDP condemns removal of Christian symbols from Cape Town Christmas lights
Christian symbols have been removed from the Christmas lights on Adderley Street, Cape Town.
Image: Armand Hough / Independent Newspapers
THE African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has criticised the City of Cape Town following the removal of Christian symbols from the annual Christmas lights display in Adderley Street, describing the decision as “outrageous” and disrespectful to the religious and cultural identity of most South Africans.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the party said it was “outraged and profoundly disappointed” by the move, noting that Christians make up an estimated 80% of South Africa’s population. According to the ACDP, the decision amounts to “an affront to the majority of the city’s citizens.”
“Christmas lights traditionally celebrate the birth of Christ, and to eliminate the very symbols that embody the meaning of this holy day is unacceptable,” the party said. “The removal of representations such as the baby Jesus, Mary, angels, and other Christian icons undermines the cultural and religious heritage that so many South Africans hold dear.”
The ACDP rejected suggestions that its objection was about religious dominance, arguing instead that the issue is rooted in cultural recognition and national identity. “This issue is not about promoting one religion over another; it is about respecting the cultural traditions of the majority and maintaining the integrity of our national identity,” the statement read.
The party has called on the City of Cape Town to urgently reverse the decision. “We therefore demand that the City immediately restore these Christian symbols to their rightful place in the Christmas display,” the ACDP said.
It also raised concerns about accountability within the city, calling on the official responsible for the decision to come forward.
“We call upon the responsible city official — who remains anonymous at this time — to step forward and provide an explanation,” the statement said, adding that the party wants clarity on “which directorate authorised this removal and the rationale behind it.”
Reaffirming its support for the Christian community, the ACDP said it expects a formal apology from the city. “The erasure of Christian cultural identity is intolerable, and we will not remain silent while it occurs,” the party said, insisting on the immediate reinstatement of the removed symbols.