Durban - Oceans Mall in uMhlanga says it will be lighting the tallest Christmas tree in South Africa on Sunday.
The mall said in a statement on Wednesday that the 17.5 metre-high tree, reaching 7 floors, is designed and installed by the acclaimed expert lighting specialist Nevon Singh of Magic Lighting.
“Oceans Mall lights up the largest Christmas tree in South Africa on Sunday. It will boast over 1 200m of steel, 2 200m of rope cable lighting, and 186 000 bulbs, shining bright in the iconic Oceans Mall Piazza.”
The Oceans Mall will light the tree on December 4 at 5.30pm.
EThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda said he would attend the lighting of the tree.
“This Sunday we will be at the new mall, the Oceans Mall, where we will be unveiling a Christmas tree that is the tallest in South Africa. Christmas has arrived in Durban and people should come and visit,” said Kaunda in a radio interview.
“This tree-lighting ceremony serves as a symbol of hope and prosperity to all of us in KwaZulu-Natal,” said Vivian Reddy, co-developer of Oceans Mall. “It demonstrates our resilience and determination as a nation and proves that nothing is impossible – persistence prevails when all else fails! The internationally awarding winning Oceans Mall is a beacon of success.”
Kaunda called on the people of eThekwini to warmly welcome the guests who will visit the city and make them feel welcomed for the festive season.
He took aim at political parties like the DA, accusing them of being negative and always wanting to portray the city administration in a negative light.
“We admit that there are problems, but they (DA) never acknowledge that we have been affected by the floods. They speak badly of the city, hoping the visitors will then opt to spend their time in Cape Town, where they govern.
“They just say that we are failing to govern, they do not say that the city suffered extensive damage because of the floods.”