The Southeaster of last weekend wreaked havoc in Cape Town, and one of the casualties was the klopse competition.
Day two of Section One of the Kaapse Klopse Karnivaal Association competition at Athlone Stadium was cancelled due to gale-force winds.
The competition was halted by the City of Cape Town’s disaster management team, with the full support of the KKKA, who said the safety of the klopse and their supporters comes first.
It was a good decision because the wind was quite bad as children and the elderly were at the stadium.
Another good reason for cancelling the competition was that the wind would definitely have hindered the singing items.
Not only for the teams, but also for judges (and spectators) who wouldn’t have been able to assess the group’s quality, with the wind impairing their hearing.
Our people practise hard the whole year, so they deserve to present their items in the best possible conditions.
There was simply no alternative but to cancel, this was beyond everyone’s control.
DESERVING: Klopse teams, like D6 Minstrels, practise the whole year
Many patrons were left disappointed, but in the end they all realised it was for their own safety and went on to follow their respective teams on road marches in the communities instead.
This was great for the public who got to see klopse jolling in their full regalia all over town, from as early as four o’clock in the afternoon.
So in the end, the day wasn’t lost, everyone had a good time and could get home earlier.
The cancellation, though, possibly pushes the carnival back by a whole day.
Posts went around on Facebook where people said the carnival will now end a day later.
But as far as I know, this will not be the case.
The KKKA prides itself on time management, and have stated that both sections will now perform their outstanding items this coming Saturday.
This means that the KKKA believes that 19 teams can each perform four items, and the event will still end on time.
STRICT MANAGEMENT: KKKA’s Muneeb Gambeno
It will be a challenge, but I agree with the KKKA. It is entirely possible to do this if the teams show up on time and stick to their performance times.
This mandate has been given to all troupes. So now we look to them to show their professionalism by coming to the party while also bringing the jol.
If everyone plays their part, spectators are in for a massive display of Kaapse Klopse choral singing and lekker moppies on Saturday.
This has been done before, with the Champs of Champs, so we know it’s possible.
I remember sitting in a meeting at the KKKA many years ago and hearing Mr Matthews saying that he wanted 23 troupes to jol into the stadium, with all doing three singing items on the day, so now it seems his vision will be realised.
BRINGING A-GAME: Baruch Entertainers
Many people also dream of seeing all the top teams performing against each other, well this Saturday is the closest we will get to that.
I am super excited and won’t be missing it for anything.
Luckily the weather is expected to play along on Saturday, with no strong winds or rain expected.
People have been refunded for their tickets, so you will have to book your seats again.
I have a feeling it’s going to be magical. Stiek uit and see klops history in the making.