City clarifies two separate parades amid confusion and court challenge

The City of Cape Town has moved to clarify confusion over the upcoming minstrel parades, amid growing debate over their planning and routes.

It explained that the parade set to take place on Monday, the 5th of January, has been organised by the Kaapse Klopse carnival association.

The City said this association has applied for its parade to run along somerset road, ending at the DHL stadium in Green Point.

Spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the events permit office is currently reviewing the application for the revised route.

"Pending the review and finalization of the safety and logistical planning, the event will take place on Monday 5 January 2026. The Kaapse Klopse Karnival association, the organization responsible for the minstrel parade, has applied for the march to go through the fan walk down somerset road and into the DHL stadium," said Tyhalibongo.

The city has also confirmed it will file opposing papers in the Western Cape high court matter involving a separate minstrel association, which is seeking to hold a parade on the 3rd of January

The Cape Town minstrel carnival association approached the court, claiming the city withdrew its approval for their event, which would follow the traditional route through the city centre and end at Vygieskraal.

Tyhalibongo said the city will respond formally through the court process.

"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. The city will provide comment at the appropriate time," said Tyhalibongo.