There has been mixed reaction for a revised route for the Cape Town Street Parade (Tweede Nuwe Jaar Parade) in 2026. Pending the review and finalisation of the safety and logistical planning, the event would take place on Monday, 5 January 2026 in Green Point.
The Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA), the
organisation responsible for the minstrel parade, has applied for the march to
go through the fan walk down Somerset Road and into DHL Stadium. In the
proposal, approximately 20 000 performers would march from Chiappini Street,
entertaining crowds along the 1,2 km stretch of Somerset Road before heading
into the stadium.
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.
COURTESY: Facebook - Cape Town Street ParadeNot everyone is happy about this decision. The Economic
Freedom Fighters (EFF) has expressed strong opposition to the Democratic
Alliance-led City of Cape Town and the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s
(KKKA) decision to alter the route. The party voiced support for the Cape Town
Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) and local community leaders who have
criticised the changes.
‘’This rerouting severs the carnival’s connection to areas
deeply rooted in the memory of slavery, forced removals, and cultural
resistance. What is even more appallinh is that this rerouting was done without
consultation whatsoever.
‘’The event is being moved away from historically
significant areas that are central to the lived experiences of the communities
that birthed this carnival,” adding that the DA-led City and KKKA “are selling
this heritage event for profit.”
The EFF also expressed concern over the decision to charge
spectators for entry, with tickets reportedly costing R100 for adults and R60
for minors.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Western Cape echoed
the EFF’s sentiments.
‘’The DA led City’s tone deaf leadership is once again at
odds with the cultural expressions of the people it claims to represent. It is
now exposing its real identity, that which is based on profit at the expense of
the people. It is also an egregious feeble to completely destruct and
annihilate the true heritage of the people of this province,’’ said Sifiso
Mtsweni, ANC Western Cape spokesperson.
‘’The ANC calls on the City to stop fiddling with the
historic heritage and cultural expression of the diverse community of the Cape,
its attempt at cultural erasure of the Klopse is condemned in the strongest
possible terms. We are opposed to the rerouting of the festival to DHL Stadium,
we are calling on the City to allow the festival to continue in the heartlands
of the City, in the streets of Bo-Kaap, District Six, the Central Business
District and all the historic routes of the carnival. Any plans to move the
festival away from this, we stand opposed to it,’’ he added.
An application is before the Western Cape High Court to halt the rerouting. The matter is expected to resume on Monday.
The Cape Town Street parade defended its decision, saying: ‘’Klopse
have always walked to Greenpoint. Coloured people have always lived in
Greenpoint. This is simply a return. There are slavery burials and sacred sites
of memory in Greenpoint. The previous permit holders of this event who are in
uproar also marched to Greenpoint. No one wants to remove the memory of the D6
to Bokaap Route, it is essential to our story as black people, we acknowledge
that there are other places in the city which deserve the story to be told too.
As current players and contributors of competing Klopse, please understand that
the road march IS AND ALWAYS WILL BE FREE. Our competition which is currently
being considered world class, is ALWAYS ticketed. The difference this year? You
have the option to attend both, one or neither on the same day,’’ it said.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) in the Western Cape called on
residents of Cape Town to support the much-anticipated annual celebration
‘’The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
proudly supports this cultural phenomenon, recognising its deep connection to
both the region’s history and the broader South African identity. The
department has allocated an annual funding budget of R1.7 million to support
the event, ensuring that it continues to thrive and that the public can engage
with and celebrate this important cultural tradition,’’ said Benedicta van
Minnen, MPP, DA Western Cape Spokesperson on Cultural Affairs and Sport.
“The Klopse remain a symbol of unity, joy and cultural
expression, and we encourage all residents of the Western Cape to take part in
this vibrant event that showcases the rich traditions of the province. This is
an event that brings together people from all backgrounds, reaffirming the
shared values that unite us as South Africans,’’ she added.
Up to 100 000 spectators are expected to gather along the
route, which starts in Somerset Road, Green Point. This year the Hollywoodbets
Cape Town Street Parade will continue into the DHL Stadium, where Day 1 of the
KKKA Kaapse Klopse Competition will begin. Items such as Road March, Best
Dressed, Senior Drum Major, Junior Drum Major and Klopse Jol, which will be on
display, are expected to draw the crowds as they cheer on their favourite
troupes.
The event will have a significant impact on several roads
in and around the Green Point area from early on Monday, 5 January.
The minstrel festivities don’t stop there. The highly
anticipated Athlone Stadium kick-off on Saturday 10, January drawing weekly
audiences of 20 000 people every Saturday. After taking a break for the weekend
of 17 January, the Klopse festivities continue from 24 January weekly until 7
February 2025.
Some of the Kaapse Klopse troupes includes:
·
Original D6 Hanover Minstrels
·
Mitchells Plain Young Tycoons
·
Phantoms Community Development
·
Ashwin Willemse Orient Community Development
·
Young Wild Comanches
·
Manenberg Superstars
·
Carnival Boys Youth Development (also known as
Crystal Palace)
·
Wild Apache
·
Playaz Inc
·
Baruch Entertainers
·
CPT Hawkers
·
Juvie Boy Entertainers
·
West London All Stars
·
TV Stars
·
Last Tomahawks
·
Fabulous Seawind Entertainers
Done By: Mitchum George
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