The Cape Town Street Parade rocked the Mother City on Wednesday as over 50 000 klopse fans stieked uit to see their favourite team jol in the city centre.
The annual minstrel parade, which saw over 50 troupes participate this year, underwent a few changes, including a stage on the Grand Parade with a Golden Circle, shaded viewing area.
Video: Noor Slamdien/Daily Voice
Unfortunately, things got off to a slow start, meaning the troupes started marching an hour late, at 3pm.
Another issue was that the Golden Circle seats, which cost R100 each, were not sheltered as promised.
Video: Venecia Valentine/Daily Voice
A 65-year-old woman complained: “They said there would be shade, but there isn’t. We are old people baking in the hot sun in the middle of the Grand Parade. This is not Golden Circle treatment at all. I could have stood along the rails like every other year.”
Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association director Muneeb Gambeno says the weather played havoc with the Golden Circle structure.
Playaz Inc parade through the City Centre. Photo: Jack Lestrade/Daily Voice
“Everything is going well despite the challenges we had last night and early morning because of the storm that hit Cape Town. This affected our ability to activate the Golden Circle which is an innovation this year,” he said.
“For safety reasons, we couldn’t erect the gazebos, but other than that, people are happy, people are having fun, there is lots of unobstructed viewing space for people, unlike previous years when people were stopped because of gazebos. There is enough space for gazebos this year.”
Video: Venecia Valentine/Daily Voice
Local singer and actor, Shadley Schroeder, wrote and performed the new CTSP theme song, called It’s a Cape Town Thing, Dis ’n Kaapse Ding, at the official opening on the Grand Parade.
“This is my first year on stage at the CTSP, usually I’m in a team jolling into the new year. But this time it was different; it’s a very good different though. I feel blessed and honoured for the opportunity.”
Baruch Minstrels showcasing their talent
Cape Town Mayor Dan Plato had no complaints. “It’s been a crime-free day and therefore I am glad,” he says.
“I’m really impressed with the additions to the CTSP and I think it’s safe to say it has upgraded this year in quality, although the event is running late, it’s still worth watching.”
MCs Shahiem van Nelson and Waseef Piekaan kept the crowds entertained on the stage.
Video: Saafia February/Daily Voice
Singer/actor Loukmaan Adams had everyone on their feet with his trademark tunes and a few lekker jol numbers.
Some local celebrities managed to smokkel themselves into the festivities.
Dressed in the colours of the Juvie Boy Entertainers were comedians Wayne McKay, Carl Weber, Kenwyn Davids, Dalin Oliver, Yaaseen Barnes and Devdondidit.
JP Duminy, Wayne McKay stiek uit at the klopse
Proteas cricketer JP Duminy, Stormers rugby star Scarra Ntubeni, as well as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi also jolled up a storm.
There was some drama yesterday evening when the Shoprite Pennsylvanians refused to perform in front of fans in the Golden Circle area.
The rival Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association troupe, which is owned by Richard “Pot” Stemmet, was booed as they marched past the Parade in silent protest.