It is all systems go for the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar Festival on Monday.
Around 20 000 performers are expected to march in Green Point from Chiappini Street, entertaining crowds along the 1,2 km stretch of
Somerset Road before heading into the Cape Town (DHL) stadium.
The historic annual event, which spectacularly showcases Cape Town’s unique and vibrant culture, is organised by the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA). The event is being held on 5 January 2025, due to religious and logistical reasons. (Friday, 2 January) is a sacred Mosque day, and a rugby match was played at the stadium on 3 January; 4 January is a church day.
The event start time is 11:00, and the last troupe is
expected to hit the parade corridor from 17:00. From there, the action will
move to the DHL Stadium for day one of the KKKA competitions until 22:00.
Tens of thousands of spectators are expected to line the
street parade route, which is free of charge to the public. For the first time,
the street parade will also be broadcast live on national television, starting
on SABC 2 from 12:00.
SUPPLIED: Yuzriq MeyerDay 1 of the KKKA Kaapse Klopse Competition sees items such
as Road March, Best Dressed, Senior Drum Major, Junior Drum Major and Klopse
Jol, be judged, as crowds cheer on their favourite troupes.
KKKA spokesperson, Muneeb Gambeno, said: ‘’There is an
incredible sense of pride, excitement and anticipation among troupes and
communities. Gambeno noted that the KKKA’s decision to bring the parade into
the DHL Stadium is a powerful statement that shows how far the tradition has
come and affirms its rightful place on the biggest stages in the country. The
celebrations extend beyond the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar street parade, with
the KKKA’s Athlone Stadium competitions kicking off on Saturday, 10 January,
also expected to draw significant crowds of up to 20 000 spectators.’’
The event will have a significant impact on several roads in and around the Green Point area from early on Monday. Somerset Road, Green Point Main Road, Prestwich Street, Chiappini Street, Ebenezer Road and Waterkant Street will be among the major roads affected by road closures between 06:00 and 21:00. The City of Cape Town says access will only be provided for residents, permit holders, hotel guests and staff.
Spectators are advised that there will be no parking
allowed on side streets in Green Point. The City of Cape Town warned that vehicles
parked illegally, in designated no stopping zones or in front of residential
properties will be towed away. It said that free public parking will be made
available in P9 and P10 on Bill Peters Drive in Green Point. Spectators are
also advised of paid parking at the V&A Waterfront, which has open-air and
underground parking bays available to the public.
Done By: Mitchum George
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