Jenny Daniels, Vice Chairperson, Colorado Ratespayers' and Residents' Association
Most of us in Cape Town grew up with the switching on of Christmas lights in Adderley Street.
The CBD was a buzz with vendors selling Christmas paraphernalia, food, sweets, and more - an occasion we looked forward to all year.
People came from as far as Strandfontein and Mitchell's Plain to attend, using taxis, hired vehicles, and other transport. It was safe on our roads then.
Sadly, times have changed. Around four to five years ago, we in Mitchell's Plain found ourselves effectively held hostage in our areas due to hijackings, smash-and-grabs, and stone-throwing.
We cannot even venture out safely; our cars are jeopardized by rocks on dark roads. That was when our celebrations of the Christmas lights came to an end.
For the past eight years, there have been no Christmas lights in my neighbourhood, Colorado Park.
So not only can I not join the crowds and the Mayor in the CBD, but I also have no Christmas lights to enjoy locally.
To our people, Christmas lights are symbolic of a new start, unity, celebration, extra cash to spend, and camaraderie. It is more than just colorful, bright lights.
The City spends significant funds to attract communities to the CBD, bringing in top entertainers to showcase their talents - experiences that a large percentage of Mitchell's Plain residents miss due to safety risks.
By now, wouldn’t it be wonderful if we could gather at a prominent road within Mitchell's Plain, similar to Adderley Street, to celebrate the switching on of lights with entertainers from our community, allowing us to relive our childhood memories?
As the Colorado Ratespayers' and Residents' Association (CRRA), we would like to thank sub-council 12 chairperson Solomon Philander and sub-council 17 chairperson Elton Jansen for erecting Christmas lights in Morgenster all the way from Eisleben.
Thank you for showing us that even though Colorado Park hasn’t seen Christmas lights for the past eight years, we can enjoy a taste this year of the nostalgia they bring.
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