At least 100 000 spectator expected to line the streets of Cape Town as the city hosts the iconic Tweede Nuwe Jaar Street Parade. Picture: Facebook/Kaapseklopsekarnivalasosiasie The City of Cape Town says it will appeal the Western Cape High Court ruling compelling it to find a suitable alternative for the annual Cape Town Minstrel Carnival (Kaapse Klopse Karnival) in January 2026, just days before the competition is set to kick off. The Western Cape High Courtruled late on Mondaythat the City of Cape Town acted improperlyin withdrawing approval for the use of Vygieskraal Stadium without providingclear reasons for the Kaapse Klopse Karnival.
ruled late on Mondaythat the City of Cape Town acted improperlyin withdrawing approval for the use of Vygieskraal Stadium without providing City of Cape Town spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo toldThe Citizenthe City is disappointed by the judgment handed down in the matter involving the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA). “While the City is in the process of applying for leave to appeal the court’s order, the City is committed to supporting the Minstrel culture and rich heritage. The City has only two medium-risk compliant venues: Athlone and DHL Stadiums.
“Despite the City’s intention to apply for leave to appeal, the City is in the process of identifying, with the intention to inform the CTMCA of the availability of these venues and the applicable booking process. Due to existing bookings, these two venues are not available on all the dates requested by the CTMCA and set out in the court ruling,” Tyhalibongo said. Tyhalibongo said the City, to the best of its ability, will also share available information on alternative, privately owned, medium-risk venues with the CTMCA, for consideration.
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He said the City’s position has been, and continues to be, that it acted lawfully and reasonably in this matter, and remains committed to upholding the law and ensuring that all events hosted within Cape Town comply with applicable legislation and safety standards, in the interest of public safety and responsible event management. “Key among these is that Vygieskraal is graded to accommodate only low-risk events, while minstrel events are classified as medium-risk by SAPS. As such, the venue does not meet the minimum requirements of the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act to host medium-risk graded events of this nature.” An association organising the Minstrel Carnival has dragged the City of Cape Town to court over parade routes, and dates of its own festival that holds a significant history in the hearts of Cape Town residents.
Newzroom Afrika’s@ZinikokaMhlabahas more.#Newzroom405Watch:…pic.twitter.com/9dIkgY3rH4 Tyhalibongo said the event’s start time is set for 11am, with the last troupe expected to hit the parade corridor from 5pm. The parade will then proceed to the DHL Stadium for day one of the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) competitions until 10pm.
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