Mitchell's Plain celebrates festive lights switch-on after a decade
Portland residents Elijah Fredericks, 8, Valerie Cunningham, and Elizabeth Cunningham, 7 enjoyed the lights switch-on in Morgenster Road on Friday December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The residents of Mitchell’s Plain gathered for the festive lights switch-on event, returning after a 10-year hiatus.
The City of Cape Town hosted a series of events in Langa and Mitchell’s Plain, with the Plains’ switch-on taking place on Friday, December 5.
While many enjoyed being back, some residents shared that they struggled to see some of the performances and that the sound did not reach the back of the crowd.
Still, the countdown to the lights being switched on brought back memories for many ("Festive lights return to Langa and Mitchell's Plain after 10-year hiatus" Plainsman November 28).
The residents of Mitchell’s Plain gathered for the festive lights switch-on event, returning after a 10-year hiatus, on Friday December 5. The Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis switched on the lights pictured with his leadership team.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis told the Plainsman on Friday, December 5, that switching on the lights after a decade was a special moment. “This event is here to stay, especially since Mitchell's Plain will be 50 next year. It was wonderful to see so many residents come out.”
Ricardo MacKenzie, Provincial MEC for Cultural Affairs and Sport, thanked the community for attending. “Thank you to everyone for coming out and enjoying this event. A merry Christmas to all residents and a happy 2026,” he said.
Kezrah-Leigh Dodgen, 10, from Westridge, said she enjoyed spending the night with her friends and her mom.
Women Walk to Wellness non-governmental organisation and club based in Colorado Park, was one of the vendors at the lights switch-on on Friday, December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma
The Capetonian Brass Band From left Ricardo Martin, Siraaj Allen, Baydu Adams, Giraldo Burt, Conwille van As and in front Lance Jansen and Monrae Wagner at the event on Friday December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Valerie Cunningham, from Portland, said she appreciated seeing the police present to keep residents safe and loved bringing her grandchildren to see the lights.
Singer Jodi Jantjies said performing for the Mitchell’s Plain community for the first time was special. She sang her hit Goema Koor with her band—multi-instrumentalist Melvin Williams and drummer Ethan Niekerk—while the crowd sang along.
For eight-year-old Afiyah Mia from Harmony Village, Tafelsig, it was a dream come true to join Jodi on stage for Goema Koor.
Kezrah-Leigh Dodgen, 10, Tyler Dodgen from westridge and Zahra Moses, 10 from Portland at the event on Friday December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Singer Jodi Jantjies and Afiyah Mia, 8, from Harmony Village sang to the crowd Jodi's hit song, Goema Koor on Friday December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Devolution Dance Fam did not shy away from showing their dance moves to the crowd.
Image: Marsha Bothma
Her mother, Shehaam Losper, said, “Afiyah was so excited and overwhelmed. She loves Jodi and has always wanted to sing her songs. This was truly special. When Jodi invited us on stage, we felt so proud to be here in Mitchell’s Plain.”
Rapper YoungOG reflected on the event’s significance. “I remember being at the light switch-on back in the day at Liberty Promenade when there was a night market. Now I finally get to perform on home soil. Amidst the killings and challenges we face as a community, this event brings a little light in the dark.”
Governement officials at the festive lights switch-on event on Friday December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma
DJ Chello spinning the decks on Friday December 5.
Image: Marsha Bothma