The City of Cape Town has denied claims that Christian symbols were removed from this year’s Adderley Street festive lights, saying no decision was taken to exclude religious imagery and that elements such as angels, Mary and baby Jesus remain part of the display.
The City’s response follows growing public and political backlash, with religious leaders and opposition parties accusing the municipality of sidelining Christian symbolism from the iconic festive lights.
Festive lights row erupts as Cape Town rejects claims of religious exclusion
According to IOL, the City said a statement responding to media enquiries that the Adderley Street lights have been a “beloved annual tradition” for more than 50 years, drawing thousands of spectators each festive season.
“Each year, the Festive Lights are themed to incorporate different elements and icons that represent Cape Town and its iconic landscapes and distinguishing features,” the City said, citing symbols such as Table Mountain, penguins, Klopse figures, wings and bells.
The City added that recent themes have focused on “hope”, including this year’s theme, United in Hope, with adjustments made annually to refresh 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 statement said.
The City also noted Cape Town’s diverse religious and cultural makeup.
Despite this, the issue has sparked sharp criticism. Freedom Front Plus councillor Paul Jacobson questioned who authorised what he described as the removal of Christian symbols, saying repeated attempts to identify the responsible official had failed.
“Despite my efforts as a City of Cape Town councillor to discover which City official gave the instruction, no answer has been forthcoming,” Jacobson said, adding that several directorates had denied responsibility.
ACDP also condemns alleged removal
Jacobson added that Christian organisations and clergy were “extremely disturbed” and called for accountability and an apology. He later alleged, as his personal view, that the mayor may be responsible.
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has also condemned the alleged decision, describing it as an affront to South Africa’s Christian majority.
Councillor Mongezi Mabungane said the party was “deeply outraged and profoundly disappointed”.
“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, as per Cape Town Etc.
The party also called for the immediate restoration of Christian imagery, transparency around who approved the design, and a formal apology.
While the City maintains that religious elements remain part of the display, differing interpretations of this year’s festive lights have fuelled an ongoing debate around tradition, inclusion and transparency.
