Council has approved a three-year funding deal that will see the City of Cape Town fork out over R5 million each year for the Tweede Nuwe Jaar and Malay Choir celebrations.
The Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) has been allocated R4.1m for the current financial year to host the popular parade that takes place on January 2. The Cape Malay Choir Board will receive R1.1m to hold its Malay Choir road marches.
The City said the funding was subject to the finalisation of negotiations and contracts with the relevant parties. The announcement followed its last council meeting for the year.
But while all political parties expressed support for the funding, some called for an increase.
Leader of the Cape Coloured Congress, Fadiel Adams, said the Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrated freedom of the slaves and called on the City to do more to show its commitment to diversity.
Patriotic Alliance Councillor Aslam Richards also called for an increase to at least R7.5m to cover the related costs for the event.
Mayco member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the multi-year agreements were an illustration of the City’s commitment to the importance of the cultural events.
"By supporting these events for multiple years, the City wants to play its role in ensuring the stability and sustainability of these events into the future. Not only does it allow event organisers to plan ahead with certainty, but it is also our contribution to the preservation of the rich heritage that have made them part of the cornerstone of our cultural diversity in Cape Town,’ said Smith.
The breakdown of the City’s support is as follows.
* The Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association will receive over R12m over a three-year cycle in cash and services for the Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade.
*The Cape Malay Choir Board will receive more than R3m over the coming three years in cash and other services for its road marches.
Weekend Argus