JOZI LIGHTS AND SINGS THE WAY TO CHRISTMAS

For the 3rd festive season in a row, Anglo American has initiated Jozi’s downtown Christmas tree project in support of local artists and to celebrate the rejuvenation of the city centre.

The resounding success of the event has encouraged the company to undertake this project again, and this year the show of glimmering lights is sure to be spectacular.
The public is invited to visit and enjoy the switch on of the glittering lights with Christmas Carols, which will be held on Monday, 4th of December from 17h30 at 44 Main Street. Families are encouraged to bring picnic hampers. Children will also be able to have their faces painted, watch balloons being sculptured and the little ones will be able to go on train rides.

The Christmas Tree lights will be switched on and open for public viewing from Monday, 4th of December until the end of December 2006.

This project provides a great opportunity for local artists to showcase their talents as various companies, both within the Anglo American group and others located in Johannesburg city centre, commission trees from a selection of well and lesser known artists. These large trees, which stood around three metres tall last year, were made from an assortment of materials from stained glass, bottles and car parts to metal, wire, resin, fabric, perspex and glitter. Artists that will participate in this year’s project include: Dave Rossouw, Gina Waldman, Johan Thom, Wilma Cruise & Gavin Young, John Molteno, Thomas Kubai and KEAG, a Cape Town-based organisation.

The trees this year will once again frame 44 Main Street, Anglo American’s Johannesburg corporate office since the 1930’s. Greater Main Street has been transformed into a pedestrian promenade where tarred streets have been replaced with trees, leafy ground covers and decorative paving as part of the inner city rejuvenation partnership programme.