Weekend Argus (Saturday Edition)
Date change pushes costs up
THE SHIFTING of dates for the Tweede Nuwe Jaar minstrels celebrations has taken its toll on already cash- strapped troupes who use the event as a way to uplift their impoverished communities.
Posh Vibrant Youth Development, a minstrel band from Kraaifontein, has struggled to keep up with the costs.
The 530-strong band has run for the past three years without a cent from the R13.75 million handed out by the National Lottery Fund to minstrel organisations this year. Instead, they do their own fundraising from events including karaoke nights and donations.
Chairman Zane Hawyn said his troupe, which could be considered a medium-sized one, spent more than R200 000 to compete in Tweede Nuwe Jaar and five days of competitions each year. This included: ● The gear, consisting of a jacket, pants and bowtie, costs about R122 per set. Captains’ jackets cost about R250 each, while umbrellas and hats cost another R90 per set. The total cost for these items is R119 272.
● Specialised performers like the band and singers cost about R57 000, although they will not be used every day of the competition.
● To hire eight buses to transport the 530 performers, at R3 100 per bus, cost R24 800 for six days.
● Food and beverages cost another R10 000.
● Additional costs, like transport for 40 members to and from two practice sessions a week, and airtime to update members on new developments, could easily run into tens of thousands of rands.
Posh Vibrant said they could not charge a membership fee because many of their members came from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“Fundraising never stops for us. Straight after the competition we are back to planning for next year.
“We do it for the love of the sport, and the love of our people and culture.
“I grew up with the minstrels tradition and passed it on to my own children. The minstrels are more than a source of entertainment; they give many children a chance to help their parents and themselves by purchasing their own stationery and school supplies.”
He added that some of the members had become despondent after the constant delays to the parade this year.
“It’s the biggest event for us, but the shifting of dates and times has really affected the troupes in a negative way. People have other responsibilities that may make this difficult. We just hope this time things will go as planned.”
The Weekend Argus spoke to several other troupe leaders who said they had not received any funding from any of the provincial minstrel boards.
A leader, who asked not to be named, said troupes were often left to struggle on their own.