Festive tree to light up Toti

Toti will boast its own gigantic Christmas tree this festive season.

When businessman and Durban South Business Forum (DSBF) Exco member, Aart Verrips visited New York two years ago, he was amazed to find people from all walks of life flocking to a massive illuminated Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center.

After he shared his experience with fellow members, the idea to replicate something similar in Toti was born.

The DSBF even themed its annual charity golf day ‘Bring light to a child’s life’ with proceeds used to secure and erect the structure, with support from locally-based company, RTI Tech and the Fan Foundation.

Following negotiations driven by ward 97 councillor, Andre Beetge, the municipality granted approval for the erection of a 15-metre high structure at the southern end of the promenade near Toti Lagoon and Toti Canoe Club.

“The site was selected as it will not only render the tree visible from the N2 highway, but also from the flats along the promenade, those overlooking the lagoon, as well as by people travelling along Kingsway or at sea,” said Cllr Beetge.

“Sufficient parking is available next to L’Escalier Cabanas, as well as along the lagoon near Ollie’s Pub, plus it is within walking distance of Toti Mall that has additional parking space available.”

Activities around the tree, which form part of Sapphire Coast Toti Tourism’s festive season programme, aims at drawing life towards the lower end of the promenade which is often less visited and considered unsafe.

“The official ‘switching on of the lights’ at 7pm will coincide with the Pregnancy Resource Centre’s (PRC) night market on Saturday, 13 December. Rogie’s Park will accommodate music, food stalls and the informal traders in their newly renovated stalls.

This will be followed a week later with ‘carols by candlelight’, facilitated through the Ministers’ Fraternal on Saturday, 20 December from 7pm.

An appeal is made to the community to bring along Christmas presents that will be distributed to those less fortunate and in time to ‘bring light to a child’s life’ for Christmas.

This second event will again coincide with another PRC night market with the same expectation from RJ’s and Rogie’s Park,” said Cllr Beetge.

The final event will be a Christmas service at the tree on 25 December at 9am.

Business or individuals who wish to contribute or add value to the tree can email info@dsbf.co.za.

“RBI Tech will remove the tree in early January and it will go into storage until the next season.”