Cape Minstrels Parade: Accusations fly, confusion reigns

The annual Cape Minstrels parade was moved from its traditional date of 3rd January for religious reasons. It was rescheduled for Monday, 5th January – but cancelled at the last possible minute on Sunday. Now fur is flying between the City of Cape Town and the Cape Cultural and Carnival Committee, while political parties are jumping on the bandwagon to point fingers at each other. It may seem like a storm in a Cape Town teacup – but it's an embarrassing shambles for an event which is given millions in funding, has enormous (though contested) historical significance, and attracts tens of thousands of spectators annually. By REBECCA DAVIS.