The Minstrels strutted their stuff in Cape Town yesterday, as the minstrel association agreed in the last minute to bury its differences with the City, and to continue with the Minstrels march, to “do it for Cape Town” reported the Weekend Argus
Every year the Minstrels’ march is threatened with closure close to the early January date, usually about required financial support. The City of Cape Town has acknowledged that the Minstrels Carnival “is an integral part of Cape Town’s rich history and culture, and a significant tourist attraction”, according to the City’s Acting Manager for Arts and Culture, Albert Webster.
A long-term agreement between the Kaapse Karnaval Association, an umbrella minstrels’ body, and the City is being negotiated. The City funds the Minstrels with a R 1,2 million budget.
More than 60 troupes and 20 000 persons participated in the Minstrels’ march. Every year, the march causes traffic problems in the city, especially in the Wale and Strand Street areas near Bo-Kaap, and little traffic police support is visible.
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