Polokwane residents threaten festive lights event boycott

POLOKWANE – Momentum is building for a potential boycott and protest against the city’s annual festive lights celebration, scheduled for December 6 at the Jack Botes Park.

Residents, frustrated by ongoing water shortages, argue that money for the event should be redirected to address the municipality’s chronic water infrastructure issues.

The festive lights event, a popular tradition featuring fireworks, performances by local artists, and a mayoral address, is free for residents to attend.

Critics however, claim the celebration is a misplaced priority while many residents endure weeks without water due to aging infrastructure and repeated repair delays.

Although rumours have circulated that R15m is budgeted for the event, the municipality has dismissed this.

Spokesperson Thipa Selala clarified that much of the money comes from sponsors and social partners, not municipal funds, making reallocation impossible.

“The false information being spread is disheartening and divisive,” Selala said, noting that the event’s direct cost to the municipality in previous years has not exceeded R1m.

He added that final costs for this year remain undetermined as preparations are ongoing.

In defence of its efforts to address the water crisis, the municipality highlighted recent achievements:

– Drilling and equipping boreholes to supplement supply.

– Commissioning the Seshego Water Treatment Plant and constructing the Sand River Plant to boost capacity.

– Collaborating with the Department of Water and Sanitation to improve infrastructure.

– Developing a service delivery app to streamline communication with residents.

Despite the criticism, the municipality maintains that the festive lights celebration fosters community unity, promotes local culture, and showcases talent, offering a positive shared experience for residents.