THE switching on of the Christmas lights by Buffalo City Metro went ahead as planned despite gloomy weather conditions this weekend.
Officials from the metro’s disaster management department said the number of attendees at Saturday night’s event near the Orient Beach was estimated at 5000.
Police maintained high visibility and executed a zero-tolerance stance on alcohol abuse. There were no reports of serious incidents.
Artists who performed at the event included national treasure Berita, Sipho Mtsatsi, Mthwa and Mthwakazi, Pura, Monde, Simphiwe Peter and Vuyo Tyolo.
Only a few got the crowd going, while others were booed for lack of entertaining performances.
A sum of R2.5-million was set aside by the metro for residents to party and live up to the spirit of the festive season for free.
The money went towards paying artists, marketing the event and refreshments for guests.
BCM’s mayor Zukiswa Ncitha could not make it as she had a commitment outside the province.
Zama Ntshona of trufm was the MC. The lights went live at 8pm. About 300 fireworks were shot 250m up into the sky, delighting spectators for about five minutes.
Pumla Nazo, BCM’s portfolio head for local economic development and tourism, said the event “symbolises that we are in the festive season”. She said the event was a city tradition which had been going on for decades.
“We are not going to stop this tradition because that will disappoint our people. It is going to continue for ever and ever,” she said.
The event, along with a similar one in King William’s Town yesterday, made a contribution to tourism and local economic development, and local artists were given space to shine, she added.
“Zahara was groomed in these kinds of events; it is a perfect platform for local musicians.”
Phindile Monwa, a project manager for BCM’s Summer Season projects, said three other major events were on the way – the Buyelikhaya Jazz Festival, the Metro’s carnival events and a BCM music concert on December 31.
BCM’s festive season begins with a bang
Officials from the metro’s disaster management department said the number of attendees at Saturday night’s event near the Orient Beach was estimated at 5000.
Police maintained high visibility and executed a zero-tolerance stance on alcohol abuse. There were no reports of serious incidents.
Artists who performed at the event included national treasure Berita, Sipho Mtsatsi, Mthwa and Mthwakazi, Pura, Monde, Simphiwe Peter and Vuyo Tyolo.
Only a few got the crowd going, while others were booed for lack of entertaining performances.
A sum of R2.5-million was set aside by the metro for residents to party and live up to the spirit of the festive season for free.
The money went towards paying artists, marketing the event and refreshments for guests.
BCM’s mayor Zukiswa Ncitha could not make it as she had a commitment outside the province.
Zama Ntshona of trufm was the MC. The lights went live at 8pm. About 300 fireworks were shot 250m up into the sky, delighting spectators for about five minutes.
Pumla Nazo, BCM’s portfolio head for local economic development and tourism, said the event “symbolises that we are in the festive season”. She said the event was a city tradition which had been going on for decades.
“We are not going to stop this tradition because that will disappoint our people. It is going to continue for ever and ever,” she said.
The event, along with a similar one in King William’s Town yesterday, made a contribution to tourism and local economic development, and local artists were given space to shine, she added.
“Zahara was groomed in these kinds of events; it is a perfect platform for local musicians.”
Phindile Monwa, a project manager for BCM’s Summer Season projects, said three other major events were on the way – the Buyelikhaya Jazz Festival, the Metro’s carnival events and a BCM music concert on December 31.
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