CITY, MINSTRELS LOCK HORNS IN COURT

Association accuses authorities of 'systematic discrimination' in venue dispute

- NICOLA DANIELS

THE City has been accused of “systematic discrimination” against minstrel associations outside the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) in a Western Cape High Court case challenging its refusal to issue permits for venues to host the Tweede Nuwe Jaar (The Second New Year) and related cultural celebrations.

The application, by the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) was brought on an urgent basis on Saturday and heard before the Western Cape High Court yesterday.

They have asked the court to compel the City to provide a suitable venue for hosting minstrel competition events on January 1, 10, 17 and 24.

“The first event is scheduled for 1 January 2026, being only four days away from the date of this application. The Association's booking for Vygieskraal Stadium for 1, 10, 17 and 24 January 2026 was confirmed on 19 September 2025 and arbitrarily withdrawn on 22 September 2025, leaving the Association without a venue,” the CTMCA said.

This was despite numerous requests and correspondence, including one dated October 31, 2025, November 11, 2025, November 21, 2025, and December 23, 2025.

“The respondent (the City) has failed to provide an alternative venue or any meaningful assistance.

“The events on these dates form an integral part of the annual Minstrel cultural celebration, which cannot be postponed or rescheduled.