Update: 30 December 2025, 5:30pm
The City of Cape Town is grappling with the implications of a recent Western Cape High Court judgement concerning the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA).
The judgement, delivered late last night, followed a legal dispute initiated by the CTMCA after their provisional application to use the Vygieskraal Stadium was declined back in September 2025.
The crux of the matter revolves around the City’s obligations to ensure that all events comply with safety standards and legislative requirements.
In a statement sent to Cape Town Etc, the City expressed disappointment with the court’s ruling, emphasising its commitment to public safety and lawful event management.
‘The City believes it acted lawfully and reasonably in this matter,’ the statement read.
Initially, the CTMCA’s request for provisional booking at Vygieskraal was approved conditionally, pending safety assessments and fulfilments of operational regulations. However, concerns arose shortly thereafter, leading the City to withdraw this provisional approval.
Challenges included the venue’s classification as suitable for only low-risk events, while minstrel events are deemed medium-risk according to the South African Police Service (SAPS) guidelines. This classification directly impacts Vygieskraal Stadium’s eligibility as a host venue.
The City highlighted that the CTMCA failed to furnish the necessary documents required for an event permit, which hampered the review process of their application.
Without the required documentation, the City could not proceed legally with the CTMCA’s request, creating a stalemate that ultimately escalated to court proceedings.
As the City prepares to file for leave to appeal the judgement, it is also actively seeking to remedy the situation by communicating available venues that meet the necessary safety compliance.
While only two venues, the Athlone and DHL Stadiums, are classified as medium-risk compliant, both locations are facing conflicting bookings that limit availability on the CTMCA’s requested dates.
Despite the current tension, the City has reaffirmed its support for the minstrel culture and events hosted throughout the region.
‘It is crucial to note that the ruling does not influence the upcoming Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations, which are orchestrated by the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association, a separate entity that has maintained compliance with the necessary regulations,’ City said.
The City encouraged the community to support various festive events planned across Cape Town in celebration of the rich minstrel tradition.
Update: Court orders Cape Town to provide venue for minstrel competition
December 30, 10am
The Western Cape High Court has ruled in favour of the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA), compelling the City of Cape Town to identify an alternative venue for the upcoming Minstrel Competition.
This ruling was handed down late on Monday night, following extensive court proceedings that highlighted the urgency and significance of preserving cultural traditions amid administrative challenges.
The City withdrew its approval for the use of Vygieskraal Stadium, leaving the minstrels without a venue just over two years before the scheduled competition dates from 1 to 24 January 2026.
The association argued that this decision not only jeopardised the event but also infringed upon their constitutionally protected cultural rights, an assertion strongly affirmed by the court in its judgment.
Dozens of minstrels gathered to witness the proceedings, celebrating with song and dance upon hearing the court’s decision.
The ruling required the City to urgently find a Sasrea-compliant venue for the competition and to ensure all legislative and regulatory standards are met, whilst also ordering the City to cover the legal costs incurred by the CTMCA.
According to EWN, spokesperson for the CTMCA, Sedick Soeker, expressed profound relief following the ruling, stating, ‘As you can listen to the band in the back, the joyousness of that. We had hard chores and heartbreaks for years against the City of Cape Town, and they have been victimising us.’
He added that the association would engage in protest activities, highlighting ongoing tensions with city officials, stating, ‘I will bring a protest march on the third, on the heritage route, starting in District 6, right into the workhouse,’ as quoted on EWN.
– Cape Town Etc. has reached out to the city for a comment, and they are yet to respond.
The Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) is locked in a legal standoff with the City of Cape Town, having approached the Western Cape High Court following the city’s controversial withdrawal of permission for the use of Vygieskraal Stadium.
The association claims that this decision was made without any clear rationale, prompting them to seek judicial intervention to protect their cultural heritage.
Compounding the tensions, the CTMCA’s application for their annual street parade, set for January 3, has also been declined, again without any explanation from city officials.
This situation has raised concerns within the community, with the CTMCA asserting that the minustrals are an integral part of Cape Town’s cultural fabric. ‘We are of the opinion that the broader community has a great interest in the matter because Cape Town minstrels forms part of their culture and their heritage,’ stated the CTMCA.
In a legal hearing held on Saturday evening, is reported that the city’s legal representatives requested a postponement to adequately prepare their argument.
Despite opposition from CTMCA’s lawyers, the Judge granted this request and ordered the city to submit its reply by 11 am on the following Monday, December 29, 2025
The heart of the application rests on securing venue access for the competition that celebrates the culture and heritage of the Minstrels. The CTMCA’s legal team framed the matter as one deserving of attention, highlighting the profound significance attached to these celebrations among local communities.
Complicating matters further, it has been reported that Muneeb Gambino, a director of the Kaapse Klopse Karnaval Association (KKKA), clarified that the CTMCA and KKKA are distinct entities with different mandates, pointing out that the KKKA has, for over two decades, organised the Tweede Nuwe Jaar minstrel parade inclusively, allowing participation from all minstrel associations while maintaining their independent competition seasons.
In light of the growing confusion surrounding the upcoming minstrel parades, the City of Cape Town has moved to clarify its stance. The city confirmed that the parade scheduled for January 5 will proceed, organised by the KKKA.
The route is set to travel down Somerset Road, concluding at the DHL Stadium in Green Point.
City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo indicated that the application for this parade is currently undergoing a review for safety and logistical planning.
As the city prepares to formally respond to the CTMCA’s case, Tyhalibongo assured the public that they will file opposing papers and provide further commentary as the legal proceedings unfold.
‘The city can confirm that papers were served in this matter. The city will be filing its opposing papers and this matter will be heard tomorrow,’ he conveyed.
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Picture: Brenton Geach / Gallo Images
