POLOKWANE – The annual switching on of the city’s Christmas lights was combined with a remembrance service for Nelson Mandela last year.
Each year, families and friends in the city gather at the Flora Park dam when the mayor officially switches on the lights ahead of the festive season.
This time the mood was sombre last year as residents listened to the municipal choir sing Christmas carrols prior to the start of the event.
Rev John Mokoena began the formalities with a prayer and a tribute to Madiba. “We need to focus our future on the ways of Madiba and carry forward his legacy,” he said.
A minute of silence was held after the then mayor, Freddy Greaver, municipal manager, Constance Mametja, and other officials wrote condolences in Mandela’s memory on a sheet of paper.
“Rest in peace my leader, father of our beloved country,” was Greaver’s message.
During his speech, Greaver said the municipality had considered cancelling the event after hearing of Mandela’s death. “We didn’t want to host any festivities after receiving the sad news.
“We hope all of you will remember the switching on of the lights on December 6, because we will never have another switching on like the one we’re having tonight.”
Greaver remembered Madiba as a courageous leader. “His sacrifi ces led us to forgiveness. All he wanted was a country where everyone could live in equality.”
He appealed to residents to “lead the life Nelson Mandela pursued”.
The evening culminated in the switching on of the festive lights and a fi reworks display.
