The Fan Walk in Green Point will once again be transformed into a colourful spectacle as large floats, dancers, and performers take to the street during the annual Cape Town Carnival.
Spectators can look forward to more than 1000 performers from various communities across the province taking part in the festivities on Saturday, 16 March.
During the media launch held on Thursday, 18 January, Prof Rachel Jafta, Cape Town Carnival chair, said the carnival provides social cohesion.
“The Cape Town Carnival is this beautifully layered phenomenon that brings a lot of joy, but not only that, it is also a place where someone can come off the street with no skills and be given the opportunity to learn those skills and be the leader of a production team, for example. Come and see how much joy, fun, family time you can have.”
Jay Douwes, Cape Town Carnival chief executive officer, says this year’s theme ‘Lekker’ celebrates the Mother City’s diversity.
“What matters most to Capetonians is our diverse people, rich culture, the undeniable beauty in which we live, and our sense of humour.
“What you will find this year is that ‘Lekker’ is really a feeling that we want to evoke through the carnival. The word describes so much of our culture and what makes Cape Town and South Africa special. Please come along and experience the full show.”
Deputy mayor Eddie Andrews says, as the City of Cape Town, they are proud partners because these types of events attract investment.
“Locals, but also national and international guests, come to Cape Town for the Carnival. And when they come, they stay at our hotels, spend money at eateries, and support informal traders. That economic injection is important to us because the economy can then grow.”
Andrews wished performers well with their preparations.
“We wish all the performers well, give your best because you are an inspiration to many who will be walking down the streets and wanting to be there and eventually cross over to the other side and become a performer.”
Sibusiso Sakayi, Cape Town Carnival performance facilitator, explains that he could never have imagined getting this position. Sakayi, who has always been passionate about the arts, says seven years ago, he attended the carnival as a spectator.
“I waved at all the performers as I attended the carnival in 2016, 2017, and 2018. In 2019 I joined an organisation, and I didn’t know that they were involved in the Cape Town Carnival. The Cape Town Carnival saw talent in me and granted me the opportunity to go to Hong Kong.”
He says this is a full-circle moment for him.
“This is one of my biggest dreams because I started off just as an audience member, but now I am the choreographer and performance facilitator for the Cape Town Carnival.”
Sakayi also heads up an organisation called Ithonga Lethu based in Gugulethu.
“The organisation provides a safe space for the youth, and we teach them drama, arts, and indigenous music,” he concludes.
People’s Post and Media24 are the proud print sponsors of the event. Other sponsors include the Western Cape Government, City of Cape Town, KFM 94.5, Southern Sun, DSTV, MultiChoice, and the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport.
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