City of Cape Town distances itself from Kaapse Klopse parade reroute

THE City of Cape Town has moved to clarify its role in the 2026 Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade, stressing it is not the organiser and does not decide the parade route.

This comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) slammed the proposed rerouting of the parade through Somerset Road into DHL Stadium and the introduction of entry fees (with tickets reportedly costing R100 for adults and R60 for minors), accusing the City and organisers of sidelining historically significant communities and commodifying a cherished cultural event.

In a statement released to the media on Sunday, the City said the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) is solely responsible for the parade’s logistics and route, while the municipality’s role is limited to reviewing safety and compliance.

"The KKKA approached the City early in 2025 with the intention of gaining the municipality’s support for its proposal to take the road march to Green Point via Somerset Road," the City said.

"After considering the reasons behind the decision and the route’s feasibility, the City has lent its support to the move on condition that the organisation submits plans for the proper management of the event route".  

The City added that the permit is still under review, with the Events Permit Office coordinating between the KKKA, City departments, residents, and councillors to address safety, logistics, and community concerns before a decision is made.

"During this process, the permit office facilitates engagement between the event organiser and the various City Departments who ensure that all the plans required for a safe and compliant event are met. The permit office also facilitates engagement between the event organiser, resident organisations in affected wards and the councillors representing those areas". 

The City also said the court application filed on 27 December 2025 by the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) was unrelated to the 2026 Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade, adding: "It pertains to a different minstrel grouping, namely the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association, and is scheduled to be heard in court on Monday, 29 December 2025."