Cape Town’s annual festive lights event cancelled due to COVID-19

The City of Cape Town has taken the decision to cancel the annual festive lights switch-on event this year. 

Mayoral Committee Member for Safety and Security Alderman JP Smith said that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and the extension of the National Disaster Management Act restrictions on the number of people allowed at public gatherings, it was important to pause the event for the safety of all those who would be involved in the concert.

According to the City of Cape Town, the iconic free, open-air concert draws a crowd of approximately 100 000 people annually.

CITY OF CAPE TOWN CANCELS FESTIVE LIGHTS EVENT BUT THERE’S A SILVER LINING 

Smith said it was also important for the City to take into consideration the need for austerity, given the adverse impact the pandemic and subsequent lockdown had on the economy.    

“The Festive Lights Switch-on is the City’s signature event, which has helped usher in the joyous season for five decades while also providing entertainment for locals and tourists. We understand the disappointment that could arise from such a decision, however, there is a silver lining,” said Smith.   

Smith said the City is considering hosting several smaller events as part of the Cape Town CBD revitalisation programme, the first of which is set to take place at the Greenmarket Square this week. These events will be organised in line with the national lockdown restrictions and with the health and safety protocols in place. 

“We are also in discussion with various event organisers to bring their events to the CBD,” he said.

“As the City of Cape Town, we believe events will be central in revitalising the economy going forward,” said Smith. 

Smith went on to say that events have over the years, been a major catalyst in the growth of auxiliary sectors like hospitality, retail and tourism because the people one attracts to the events hosted in the city spend money.

“Over the last seven months, the events industry has, however, seen a downturn and job losses due to regulations, and as the City we have to assist in arresting this decline by supporting event organisers as much as we can to ensure that the sector remains afloat,” he said. 

The City of Cape Town will communicate with the public on the date and venues for the upcoming events.

HEALTH MINISTER TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 

Apart from the annual festive lights switch-on event being cancelled, our Health Minister Zweli Mkhize announced on Sunday 18 that he and his wife May tested positive for COVID-19. 

“I wish to inform the public that this afternoon my wife, Dr. May Mkhize, and I have tested positive for COVID-19. We decided to go test yesterday when I started showing mild symptoms. I was feeling abnormally exhausted and as the day progressed, I started losing appetite. My wife had a cough, was dizzy, and extremely exhausted,” he said. 

“I am now in quarantine at home and both my wife and I remain optimistic that we will fully recover from this virus. I wish to take this opportunity to urge all South Africans to continue adhering to health protocols. I want to beg that we do not neglect wearing our masks, social distancing, and washing/sanitizing our hands,” he added. 

President Cyril Ramaphosa, on Monday 19 October, wished Mkhize and his wife a safe and speedy recovery from their COVID-19 infection.

“The President wishes the Mkhizes a safe and restful recovery and joins the Minister in calling on all South Africans to remain careful and do all we need to do to keep safe and help the country avoid a second wave of the pandemic,” the presidency said in a statement.