Monday’s official Tweede Nuwe Jaar event set to showcase 20,000 performers

Cape Town is set to host the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar event on Monday with 20,000 performers marching along Somerset Road in a free street parade for the public. The Kaapse Klopse tradition is an important and valued part of the province’s cultural heritage.

Western Cape MEC of Cultural Affairs and Sport Ricardo Mackenzie said: “Both the Province and the City are making every effort to support the Tweede Nuwe Jaar event, and we look forward to a vibrant celebration of our province’s rich cultural traditions on Monday.”

Today Minister Mackenzie received a memorandum from the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) on behalf of Premier Alan Winde in Cape Town. In the memorandum, the CTMCA raised concerns relating to a separate competition they had been planning, which couldn’t go ahead due to limited venue availability. 

During this time of the year, there are a large number of distinct events and competitions held by various minstrel associations, of which the CTMCA is one. Event planning, routes and other operational matters are handled by the respective associations and organisers. The City of Cape Town handles permits and venue bookings. 

“We have contacted the City of Cape Town who indicated that available dates have been offered for Athone Stadium and the CTMCA’s event application is being awaited. The City has been able to support bookings where these are made timeously and event permit regulations are complied with,” Minister Mackenzie added. 

“Given the limited public and private venue space this time of year, we encourage minstrel groupings seeking to hold their own internal competitions to make venue bookings long in advance to avoid disappointment. We encourage all stakeholders to continue engaging so that this cultural tradition is protected and celebrated safely and inclusively.”

Media Enquiries
Ross Michaels
Spokesperson to the Provincial Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport 
Tel: 073 157 5937