City gets final interdict against klopse
THE city has obtained a final interdict preventing the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association (CTMCA), Cape Cultural Carnival and Events Committee (CCCEC) and their member troupes from holding any event or function at city-owned facilities without obtaining prior written approval.
The police could execute arrests should the organisations host an event after this final interdict without a permit, according to the city.
Mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, JP Smith, said the city had been forced to obtain the interdict in response to the group’s continued disregard for national legislation and city by-laws.
“Furthermore, it is illegal for any person or organisation to occupy any city-owned facility or any other property without written or verbal consent from the owner. Illegally hosting an unsanctioned event with that number of people without an approved safety plan, fire inspection, or evacuation plan places the lives of those attendees at risk. The CTMCA/CCCEC did not comply with the laws and regulations,” he said.
Smith said the city had approached the court last month after the association and its troupes forced their way into the Belhar sports ground in January to hold an event without obtaining prior written, regulatory approval.
“The city was forced to take these steps because the association has on several occasions shown complete disregard for the national Safety at Sports and Recreation Events Act, as well as the regulations for events.
“These illegal acts by the association have at times been a blemish to events that are important and culturally significant to the troupes, their families, communities and Cape Town. They have also placed at risk the lives of the troupes involved in these illegal gatherings as well as the spectators,” he said.
The organisations were ordered to pay R701063 in costs.
The CTMCA and CCCEC could not be reached for comment.