Mense who don’t like the klopse will tell you they’re nothing but a bunch of skollies, dressed up as clowns, who just make a noise.
They complain that there’s a criminal element to the carnival - which is a fair comment.
After all, this is South Africa, crime is rampant in many communities, not only in the minstrel fraternity.
The people who love the klopse will tell you it’s a way of life.
It’s a whole culture, with a rich history, that celebrates the Cape’s freedom and talent, among other things.
It brings communities - young and old - together through their passion for music and dance.
Then there are those who look at the carnival differently, and think: “Wow! This is an industry with enormous potential.”
And you know what? It is.
Cape Town is sitting on a goldmine, we just don’t know it yet. The minstrel carnival is more than an annual jol.
It’s big, big business involving several different sectors: arts and culture; tourism; textiles; musical instruments, face paint, transport; food and drinks, to name a few.
Harness this potential and we’re looking at an economic boost worth millions, even billions, for the Cape.
Not to mention employment opportunities for the 27.7% of South Africans who are jobless.
This is the vision of the Kaapse Klopse
Karnival Assosiasie.
SUSTAIN: JP Smith and Muneeb Gambino, right
The KKKA’s director Muneeb Gambeno launched their plans for this season’s Tweede Nuwe Jaar event, which has been renamed the “Cape Town Street Parade”.
The big idea is to make it a world-class event, by opening it up to all: other klopse organisations; all Capetonians, South Africans and international visitors.
In a bid to make the carnival successful and self-sustainable, the KKKA has also invited outside parties to invest in and sponsor the event.
And professional event organisers to help take the Carnival to “the next level”.
It’s a different approach to previously, which was essentially: “This is our culture, our event. Give us the money and leave us to do our own thing.”
There are those in the minstrel fraternity who are suspicious of outsiders and “wit mense” - especially the City; those who warn against “selling out” the Kaapse Klopse.
The City’s JP Smith, who was present at the launch, pointed out that the City has no intention of taking over the Carnival.
“We want the minstrels to be self-sustainable. The City can’t afford to fork out millions of rands for this event each year, we have a drought crisis,” was his message.
Mense need to get rid of this notion that to be successful means selling out.
One need only look at the Rio Carnival - which Brazilian locals call “Carnaval” - as evidence of this.
Over there, Samba troupes are sponsored millions of dollars for their gear and spectacular floats.
It doesn’t take anything away from their show, it enhances it.
One million visitors flood that city for the parade each year.
The street event is free to attend, but if you’re a Gupta and smaak a view from the VIP stands, you can blow a hundred dollars for your seat.
The Brazilians have really got it made.
Who knows, with the right attitude, maybe we can be there one day.