About the GST Beacon of Hope
Africa’s Tallest Christmas Tree — Built to Reach Hearts
Rising high above the Hartbeespoort skyline stands the GST Beacon of Hope, proudly known as Africa’s Tallest Christmas Tree.
At 45 metres tall, crowned with an 11-metre Bethlehem Star and illuminated by 6 kilometres of lights and more than 40,000 flickering LEDs, it is impossible to miss.
But the GST Beacon of Hope was never built just to be seen.
It was built to be felt.
Because while its height is measured in meters, its true purpose is measured in hearts reached.
Where Light Becomes Action
Each year, the lighting of the GST Beacon of Hope marks more than the start of the festive season — it marks a call to action.
In 2025, that call was answered in an extraordinary way.
During the live lighting ceremony broadcast on Harties FM, communities across the region came together with one shared goal: to turn light into impact. Through generous public donations, R110,000 was raised for the Together We Eat Foundation, helping provide nutritious meals to children in schools.
In a powerful show of leadership and generosity, XPN Nutrition stepped forward and matched every Fuel Pack purchased — doubling the impact to an incredible R220,000.
That single evening helped deliver:
-
22,000 nutritious meals
-
22,000 children supported in schools
-
Thousands of young lives nourished with dignity and care
More Than a Tree — A Symbol of Community
“The Beacon of Hope has always been about more than lights,” says GST Marketing Manager Walter Gahler.
“It’s about bringing people together, inspiring generosity, and creating real, lasting change in our communities.”
While the Beacon uplifts spirits, it also fuels action on the ground.
Through a meaningful partnership with Pam Golding Properties, pre-loved furniture, cutlery, household goods and essentials — especially from families who are moving or relocating — are collected and redistributed through the Together We Eat Foundation. These donations restore dignity and provide practical support to families, charities and schools across our community.
Powered by People
The GST Beacon of Hope exists because of collaboration.
It is made possible by businesses, media partners, employees, clients, service providers and individuals who choose to give, listen and act — together.
We proudly acknowledge:
-
Harties FM and its generous listeners
-
XPN Nutrition for doubling the impact
-
Pam Golding Properties for driving community-based giving
-
Together We Eat Foundation for delivering hope where it matters most
-
Every supplier, client, employee, partner and individual who stands with us
Lighting the Way Forward
As Africa’s Tallest Christmas Tree continues to shine over Hartbeespoort, it stands as a powerful reminder of what is possible when people unite around purpose.
Because when we come together, hope becomes more than a symbol —
it becomes nourishment, dignity, and a future.
