Jozi Sparkles Again: Christmas Lights Return to the Inner City

A Festive Revival Amid the Heart of Johannesburg

Sourced: The Citizen

For decades, Johannesburg’s inner city streets have transformed during the festive season into a sparkling spectacle of lights, but the tradition had faded in recent years. Now, under Mayor Dada Morero’s leadership, the city is reclaiming that magic. Families, office workers, and tourists can once again stroll through illuminated streets, enjoying a sense of warmth and nostalgia amid the urban landscape.

The refurbished Christmas lights, restored by City Power, have been installed along prominent corridors including Maboneng, Gandhi Square, and key sections of Commissioner, Wolmarans, Noord, Rissik, Eloff, Harrison, King George, Smit, and De Villiers streets. De Villiers alone now boasts fourteen dazzling displays, with more planned in the coming weeks.

“These installations, combined with repaired and newly-installed streetlights, are meant to make the inner city more welcoming during the holiday season and reaffirm our commitment to restoring Johannesburg’s historic identity,” said City Power.

Mayor Morero Leads the Festive Charge

On Wednesday night, Mayor Morero and municipal officials toured the displays, highlighting the city’s broader rejuvenation efforts.

“We want residents to trust that we can deliver,” Morero said. “Installing public lighting and festive displays street by street is our way of bringing hope and showing our commitment to reclaiming the inner city.”

The festive lights are more than decorative; they symbolize a city striving to reconnect with its communities, celebrate its history, and uplift the urban environment.

Lighting Up Jozi, Despite Challenges

The renewed Christmas spirit comes amid ongoing struggles with theft and vandalism. In the previous financial quarter alone, infrastructure-related crimes cost the city R60 million. In response, security measures have been strengthened, leading to 82 arrests and 14 convictions, with average sentences of six years.

The new lights are accompanied by permanent street lighting upgrades, including solar high masts throughout the city, joining the 143 solar towers installed across greater Johannesburg last year.

Jack Sekwaila, MMC for Environment, Infrastructure and Services, praised City Power’s efforts:

“Your commitment, delivered under tight timelines, is helping us keep Joburg safe and supporting law enforcement efforts to curb crime,” Sekwaila said.

City Power’s Role in Bringing Joy Back to Jozi

City Power Chief Commercial Officer Thamsanqa Mathiso described the project as the realization of the mayor’s vision:

“This is about uplifting the festive spirit. We are returning the city to its glory days and want residents and visitors to enjoy and experience the spirit of Jozi,” Mathiso said.

For locals, the lights are more than decorations, they are a signal that Johannesburg’s inner city is alive again. Cafés and small businesses are already seeing increased foot traffic as families come to admire the displays, take photos, and soak in the holiday atmosphere.

A Sign of Hope and Revival

As the festive season unfolds, Johannesburg’s inner city is not just illuminated with bulbs and displays, it’s glowing with the promise of renewal. The lights are a reminder that, despite challenges, Jozi’s heart still beats brightly, ready to welcome its residents and visitors to celebrate together.

{Source: The Citizen}

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