Early birds try to catch their spots for klopse parade
Thousands want to catch a glimpse of their favourite minstrel troupes at this Saturday’s Cape Town Street Parade and some fans have gone as far as marking their territory days before the event to have the best view.
Several images and videos have been circulating showing the spray-painted names on the floor as well as lines marked out by those who wish to book their spots along the route in the city centre.
One angry resident said the situation was becoming “ridiculous”.
“I can’t actually believe somebody came to town, spray painted their names on the sidewalk and thought that can work for this weekend,” Shaakirah Adams said, while recording the many marked areas in one video.
“I really hope the City takes action and they track down these people.”
Another klopse fan, Riedewaan Thompson, posted several images of the newly demarcated areas set up outside the Company’s Garden, using masking tape with a large “X” to indicate that the area is taken.
“This is somebody from Mitchell’s Plain or Hanover Park, somewhere far out there marking their spot for Saturday. It sounds crazy and this is going to cause all sorts of problems this Saturday.”
“People will fight all along this route, just wait and see but I encourage people to please avoid doing this and let everybody enjoy this beautiful culture,” Mr Thompson said.
Meanwhile, the City of Cape Town is simply having none of it.
Rob Quintas, the City’s Mayoral committee member for urban mobility, said Cape Town’s public places exist “for all citizens to enjoy”.
“And, in this spirit, actions to reserve public space in this manner are not supported. The markings will therefore be removed and residents are encouraged to arrive early on the day to secure a spot to watch this iconic event," Mr Quintas said.
Organisers behind the Cape Town Street Parade, the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA), were not available to comment at the time of publication.
