Overview
- The Western Cape High Court found the City acted improperly in withdrawing Vygieskraal Stadium approval and ordered it to secure a suitable alternative from 1 January 2026 at its own cost.
- The City says the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival Association case is separate from the 2026 Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade permit under review.
- The Events Permit Office is finalising the 2026 application, which proposes a Fan Walk down Somerset Road into DHL Stadium, with a decision expected once outstanding safety and logistics plans are filed.
- City statements stress it is not the organiser, does not set the road march route or spectator pricing, and limits its role to ensuring legal and safety compliance.
- Political critics including the ANC and EFF oppose the proposed reroute as commercialisation, while KKKA leaders defend the changes as cost‑ and safety‑driven and note the parade and first competition day are planned for 5 January 2026.