City of Cape Town to appeal court ruling on Minstrels Carnival venue

The City of Cape Town said it plans to apply for leave to appeal a High Court ruling in favour of the Cape Town Minstrels Carnival Association.

On Tuesday night, the court ordered the city to provide an alternative venue that complies with the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.

The association had approached the court, requesting it to direct the City of Cape Town to provide an alternative venue to host its minstrel parade competition.

The city said it is currently working to identify a suitable venue for the event.

In a statement, the City of Cape Town expressed disappointment with the judgment.

It argued that the association could not rely on the right to equality to seek relief in the form of a venue, saying the two do not correspond.

However, the court ruled that the city had created a legitimate expectation that it would honour its commitment to provide a venue.

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the city has acted lawfully and transparently.

“Despite the city’s intention to apply for leave to appeal, the city is in the process of identifying venues and intends to inform the CTMCA of their availability and the applicable booking process.”

The City added that only two medium-risk compliant venues are currently available - Athlone Stadium and DHL Stadium.