The City of Cape Town is reviewing a contentious application to relocate the iconic Tweede Nuwe Jaar (Second New Year) minstrel parade from its traditional route to Green Point’s Somerset Road and DHL Stadium for 2026, a move that has sparked significant opposition from various quarters.
The Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA), which organises the annual street parade, has submitted plans for approximately 20 000 performers to march along a 1.2km stretch from Chiappini Street down Somerset Road before entering DHL Stadium. The event is scheduled for Monday, 5 January, pending final approval of safety and logistical arrangements.
The proposed route would utilize the stadium’s fan walk infrastructure, representing a dramatic departure from the parade’s traditional path through Cape Town’s city centre.
Responding to mounting questions and criticism, the City of Cape Town has moved to clarify its role in the controversial proposal, emphasising that it neither organises nor controls the route of the centuries-old cultural celebration.
“The City of Cape Town is not the custodian nor the organiser of the Tweede Nuwe Jaar or the Cape Town Street Parade event,” officials stated. “Therefore, the City cannot and does not decide on the route of the road march. That decision resides with the minstrel fraternity.”
The municipality’s Events Permit Office stressed that its role is purely regulatory, evaluating applications to ensure compliance with the Events By-Law and the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.
Despite its regulatory stance, the City revealed it has provided conditional support for the KKKA’s proposal after the organisation approached municipal authorities early in 2025 seeking backing for the Green Point move.
“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,” officials explained.
The City’s support comes with strict requirements for comprehensive safety and logistical planning, with the permit review process currently in its final stages.
City officials indicated that the permit application, along with accompanying safety and logistical plans, is undergoing final scrutiny before approval. The review process includes coordination between various City departments and engagement with resident organisations and ward councillors in affected areas.
“A decision will be made in the coming week once all the plans have been finalised,” the City announced.
The City also addressed confusion regarding recent legal proceedings, clarifying that a court application filed on 27 December, relates to a different minstrel organisation – the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association – and is unconnected to the Tweede Nuwe Jaar event. That case is scheduled for hearing on 29 December.
The Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade, also known as the Cape Town Street Parade, is a deeply rooted cultural tradition dating back over a century, featuring colorful costumes, music, and dance that celebrates Cape Town’s unique heritage. Any potential route change represents a significant shift for an event that has historically wound through the heart of the city.
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