CoCT files court appeal against mistrels over Tweede Nuwe Jaar venue application

The City of Cape Town has filed another court appeal against the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA) related to an event application for the use of Vygieskraal Stadium.

Last week, the CTMCA won a court bid for the city to provide a venue for its annual minstrel competition later this month.

The minstrel competition is separate event to the official Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade set to be held in green point on Monday, 5 January 2025.

On New Year's Eve, the Western Cape High Court denied the city's application for leave appeal a recent decision by court, ordering the city to provide the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association with a venue for its annual minstrel competition.

The association’s lawyer, Junaid Jumat, said: “We implore the City of Cape Town to come to the party and to assist our client with their plight to celebrate their heritage in line with the constitution."

City spokesperson Luthando Tyhalibongo said the city on Friday filed another appeal to be heard by a full bench at the high court.

"The city has offered to assist the CTMCA with available dates for Athlone Stadium and awaits provional bookings and permit applications in this respect."

Tyhalibongo added that there are no other venues available on the dates requested by the CTMCA in January.