R4.1m for minstrel events
MAYOR Patricia de Lille and her mayoral committee have approved a R4.1million cash injection for Cape minstrel events.
The City has also covered the cost for venues it owns to the tune of R1.3m. The funding was approved at a mayoral committee meeting yesterday.
Mayco member for safety, security and social services JP Smith said associations that had not applied for funding would have to follow the administrative process.
He said funding would be allocated only if applicants were compliant in terms of the City’s relevant policies.
The City’s special events committee (SpevCo) considered applications and approved R2.2m funding for Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association NPC to host the Tweede Nuwe Jaar celebrations.
An additional R800000 was made available for the venue hire.
The South African United Christmas Bands Board got R200000 for competitions, including a road march.
The Cape District Minstrel Board got R200000 for competitions; the Cape Malay Choir Board will get R300000 for choral competitions, with R700000 available for the road march and R400000 for venues. Some R422000 is budgeted for other competitions.
Smith said SpevCo reviewed event applications in line with the conditions outlined in the events policy. “The policy has been guided by applicable legislation and regulations, including the Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act.”
An event permit may be approved or rejected based on the guidelines in the City’s events policy and the events by-law. This includes the event date; proposed venue; impact on the surrounding area, community and environment; and the competing demands on available City services during the festive holiday period,” Smith said.
He said event organisers remained responsible to apply for an event with the approved risk classification as determined by the police.
“Each year the minstrel events resonate with families and communities across Cape Town as thousands of people, including tourists, fill the streets to watch the entertaining marches.
“The City’s support will also allow communities to showcase our rich cultural diversity, while creating employment opportunities in the garment-making, events, catering and transport industries,” said Smith.