December 5, 2006
By Lucky Sindane
"BRING an African Christmas … Bring an African Christmas," sang Ed Jordan, together with more than a hundred children carrying candles at the annual festive lights switch-on ceremony.
This year the ceremony was held at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown, on Friday, 1 December, World Aids Day.
A 15m-tall steel African Christmas tree, which will brighten up the square over the festive season, was switched on by Executive Mayor Amos Masondo, at 7.25pm. Earlier in the day the City, together with Kaya FM and The Star newspaper, hosted 2 000 Aids orphans to a Christmas party.
"Christmas is a time of joy, peace, love and giving," said Kaya FM managing director Charlene Deacon, "and it's a time that most kids look forward to. But for thousands of orphans this time of the year is usually filled with gloom.
"Together with the City of Johannesburg and The Star newspaper, and with the generosity of numerous sponsors, we aim to give these kids a day to remember."
Masondo also had a message on World Aids Day. "We want to commemorate this day and remember all those affected by and infected with the disease. We experience the pain and agony of losing loved ones, children being orphaned and all the detrimental consequences on a daily basis … We need to continue our fight against this scourge by being armed with education and knowledge on how to live a healthy life with the disease and how to guard against contracting it."
But he also sounded a warning. "However, education and awareness, among others, become nothing if there is no change in behaviour."
The children, between the ages of six and 12, were taken care of by World Vision, an organisation that assists poverty-stricken children worldwide. They were entertained by story-book characters and costumed heroes, face painters, a musketeer, slides, gladiators' castles, jumping castles and play-in castles, carnival games, balloon modellers, clowns, a mechanical bull, celebrities and sports heroes.
Later in the afternoon, it was time for the African Christmas Carols, which was sponsored by Spar. This was followed by the tree lighting. Entrance to the event was a brand-new toy, while World Vision sold candles for R5 each. The toys will be donated to charities, orphanages and children's homes.
"As Johannesburg celebrates its 120th anniversary, we say tonight it is time to light a special electrical Christmas tree. I have the honour and privilege to light this electric Christmas tree that will hopefully fill many hearts with bliss and joy," Masondo said.
"The symbolism of light has been [found] in various communities in both religious and secular traditions since the dawn of history. In all of these traditions light symbolises goodness and righteousness."
More lights came to life along Old Potchefstroom Road in Soweto and London Road in Alexandra. "The intention of the City is to see all the residents and citizens of Johannesburg coming to witness these magnificent trees and to share in their magic."
Earlier in the day, Santa Claus delivered gifts to the children
(Photo: Enoch Lehung, City of Johannesburg)
Entertaining the crowd in Newtown were award-winning singer, Ed Jordan, performing his song African Christmas; the Soweto Gospel Choir, performing carols; and a number of top musicians, including Zamajobe, Judith Sephuma, Malaika, Mafikizolo, Selaelo Selota and Ntando.
"I would like to thank Kaya FM and the Spar group for making this event possible," said the mayor. "We commend you on your efforts to bring festive hope and cheer to the residents and citizens of Johannesburg through this celebration, with the gift of music by esteemed artists, and food parcels."
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