Bo-Kaap troupe shines bright at top

THE Santam D6 Entertainers is the only troupe in the Minstrels Carnival Association with a sponsor, and as a result have been able to compete at the top of the Super League.

The troupe, based in the Bo-Kaap, has been able to increase its support base after several big competition wins through the aid of its sponsor, Santam.

The 1 000-strong troupe will celebrate its 10th anniversary in May.

Owner Malick Laattoe said costs still remained high, even with the backing of a sponsor.

Some of their costs included:

● The manufacturing of the troupe’s outfits, including jackets, pants, umbrellas and Panama hats, cost an estimated R243 000 annually.

● Specialised performers, like the band and singers for each competition category, including the juvenile and sentimental songs, cost about R80 000 for the duration of Tweede Nuwe Jaar and the five days of competition.

An additional R40 000 was set aside for instruments and musical material if needed.

● Specialised coaches and sound engineers cost an estimated R55 000.

● To hire enough buses to transport all their members cost an estimated R20 000 a day.

● Food and beverages for the six days of the carnival cost another R10 000.

● Additional costs like transport to and from practice sessions for eight months cost an average of R2 000 a month.

● Special event exhibitions could cost anywhere between an extra R2 000 and R5 000.

Laattoe said their fundraising covered between R30 000 and R50 000 of their budget, while the sale of their gear also generated extra money.

Santam also covered a significant portion of their budget.

“To compete with the best you have to spend anything from R300 000 and up. Even with the backing of Santam, we would be grateful just to break even.

“We try to cover the costs for as many of our disadvantaged troupe members as possible because while we have to acknowledge the cost, the cultural aspects and social benefits far outweigh what can be measured in cash.

“We give the youth an alternative to drugs and crime, and build our communities. That is why we do what we do.”

Laattoe was critical of the City of Cape Town’s alleged lack of support for the Minstrels Carnival when compared to other events in the city.

“The city provided the minstrels with R2m cash and R1.65m in terms of additional services support, but other events like the Muizenberg Festival were reportedly given R10m.”