“We distance ourselves from the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association’s (KKKA) event tomorrow, and it defeats the objective and heritage and goes against all grains of cultural heritage that have been happening for hundreds of years.”
This is according to the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA). The statement comes as the association made an application to the City to begin their parade on 3 January 2026, but the City denied this request, in the CTMCA, staged a protest march against the City on Saturday, 3 January 2026.
Speaking to VOC News, a representative of the CTMCA, Sedick Soeker, shared feedback on the protest march and the way forward.
Earlier this week, the CTMCA was successful in the courts against the City of Cape Town regarding a venue change, with the City of Cape Town being ordered by the courts to provide a venue; however, the City had appealed the venue change matter following a second ruling from the court.
Furthermore, the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) will be staging its march on Monday, 5 January 2026. VOC News reached out to the KKKA for comment, but received no response.
According to the CTMCA’s Chairperson, Ighsaan Alexander, the association made an application to the National Heritage Council (NHC) after the slave route for Tweede Nuwe Jaar was changed – a route that’s been in place for centuries.
The association highlighted that many members from the Cape Flats, who constitute most of the minstrel groups, undergo thorough training annually, as significant resources and finances are dedicated to equipment and logistical needs like transportation.
“This is the one occasion each year when our community can put aside their concerns, hardship, and ongoing gang violence in the Cape Flats to have fun and enjoy themselves,” Soeker from CTMCA shared with VOC News.
VOC News has reached out to the City for comment and awaits a response. This is still a developing story.
Photo: VOCfm
