The City of Cape Town has voiced disappointment over a Western Cape High Court ruling handed down late Monday night, which orders the municipality to urgently provide a suitable alternative venue for the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) to host its traditional competitions in January 2026.
The urgent application stemmed from the City’s withdrawal of provisional approval for Vygieskraal Stadium in Athlone, initially granted in September 2025 but revoked shortly after due to safety concerns—the venue is rated for low-risk events only, while the minstrel competitions are classified as medium-risk under the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (SASREA).
The City argued that the CTMCA failed to submit required documentation and that the application was not urgent, as the association had known about the withdrawal for months.
However, Judge James Lekhuleni ruled in favour of the CTMCA, emphasising the City’s constitutional duty to support cultural rights and criticising the lack of clear reasons for the withdrawal.
Meanwhile, the CTMCA insists its planned Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade on 3 January 2026 will proceed along the historic route through District Six and into the Bo-Kaap, despite permit denials and a failed appeal.
Chairperson Sedick Soeker stated: “The appeal has failed. We’re calling on the national government to declare the route a national heritage site as soon as possible.”
This dispute is separate from the main Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) parade, scheduled for 5 January 2026 along a rerouted path to DHL Stadium in Green Point.
The ruling ensures the centuries-old minstrel tradition—rooted in emancipation celebrations—can continue, highlighting ongoing tensions over venue access and cultural preservation in Cape Town.