COCT deny claim that they removed Christian symbols from the Festive Lights

THE African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has criticised the City of Cape Town following the "removal of Christian symbols" from the annual Christmas lights display in Adderley Street.

However, City officials deny the claim, adding that "no decision has been taken to remove any Christian or religious symbolism from the Festive Lights".  

In a statement released on Tuesday, the ACDP said it was “outraged and profoundly disappointed” by the move, noting that Christians make up an estimated 80 percent of South Africa’s population. According to the ACDP, the decision amounts to “an affront to the majority of the city’s citizens".

The party said: “Christmas lights traditionally celebrate the birth of Christ, and to eliminate the very symbols that embody the meaning of this holy day is unacceptable.

“The removal of representations such as the baby Jesus, Mary, angels, and other Christian icons undermines the cultural and religious heritage that so many South Africans hold dear.”

The ACDP rejected suggestions that its objection was about religious dominance, arguing instead that the issue is rooted in cultural recognition and national identity.

The statement added: “This issue is not about promoting one religion over another; it is about respecting the cultural traditions of the majority and maintaining the integrity of our national identity.”

The party has called on the City of Cape Town to urgently reverse the decision, saying: “We therefore demand that the City immediately restore these Christian symbols to their rightful place in the Christmas display.”

It also raised concerns about accountability within the city, calling on the official responsible for the decision to come forward.

“We call upon the responsible city official - who remains anonymous at this time - to step forward and provide an explanation,” the statement said, adding that the party wants clarity on “which directorate authorised this removal and the rationale behind it".

Reaffirming its support for the Christian community, the ACDP said it expects a formal apology from the city, adding: "The erasure of Christian cultural identity is intolerable, and we will not remain silent while it occurs." 

But in a formal response to media enquiries, the City said the annual festive lights along Adderley Street - a tradition spanning over five decades - continue to feature a blend of symbols celebrating Cape Town’s heritage, landscape, and diverse communities.

“The Festive Lights are themed each year to incorporate various icons representing Cape Town’s unique features, including Table Mountain, penguins, the Klopse, wings, bells, and more,” the statement said.

The City added that in recent years, the display has been centred around themes of “hope”, including the 2025 theme, United in Hope, with annual updates to refresh the visual presentation.

“No decision has been taken to remove any Christian or religious symbolism from the Festive Lights. In fact, angels, Mary and baby Jesus are included among the various elements this year. It must be acknowledged that Cape Town is a cosmopolitan city, home to people from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds,” the City said.