CITY, MINSTRELS' BODY LOCKED IN STANDOFF OVER VENUES

CTMCA rejects midweek, Ramadaan dates

- MURRAY SWART

THE City of Cape Town says it is still waiting for the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) to submit a valid event permit application and provisional booking for available dates at Athlone Stadium, amid an ongoing standoff over venues for the association's internal competitions.

CTMCA kicked back that alternative dates later offered were midweek and during Ramadaan.

The City said no application had yet been received for Athlone Stadium, despite dates being offered in January and February. Officials said they remain in regular contact with the association and have repeatedly confirmed that Vygieskraal Stadium cannot lawfully be used for the competitions, which are classified as medium-risk events.

According to the City, the most recent submission from the CTMCA was an incomplete application once again proposing Vygieskraal Stadium, a venue the City says does not meet legal requirements for medium-risk events as determined by the SAPS. The City said it had already communicated this position to the association months ago.

"The City remains committed to working with the CTMCA to secure a lawfully permissible venue," the statement said, adding that the offer of Athlone Stadium dates remains open, provided the association complies with event-permitting laws and regulations.