Drama is unfolding within the Klopse fraternity
Drama is unfolding within the Kaapse Klopse fraternity ahead of the 2026/27 carnival season, with one of Cape Town's biggest troupes, West London All Stars, not participating in the upcoming competition, while uncertainty surrounding TV Stars has added to growing tensions.
The developments have sparked controversy among troupe leaders and supporters, with disagreements over competition rules, leadership and participation threatening to overshadow preparations for one of Cape Town's most celebrated cultural traditions.
West London All Stars, led by Waleed Hendricks, withdrew from the Kaapse Klopse Karnival Association (KKKA) earlier this year following disputes over competition results and allegations concerning adjudication.
West London All Stars withdraw from KKKA
The situation intensified when TV Stars proposed joining forces with West London All Stars, prompting negotiations with the KKKA board.
KKKA director Muneeb Gambeno, one of approximately 14 directors serving on the association's board, told the Cape Argus that efforts had been underway throughout the off-season to resolve outstanding differences with Hendricks.
Gambeno alleged that Hendricks had refused to formally engage with the association or address its concerns about what he described as untruthful allegations made following the previous competition.
Hendricks was also approached for comment but opted to reserve his response until after a board meeting scheduled to take place this week.
According to Gambeno, discussions with TV Stars had been taking place over the past month after the troupe indicated it was experiencing difficulties fielding a team for the coming season.
TV Stars talks fail to produce agreement
He explained that the association proposed conditions under which an arrangement involving West London All Stars could proceed, but the parties failed to reach an agreement.
"The board, together with all these leaders who sit as directors, made the decision that we're not going to allow the gateway scenario from happening," Gambeno said.
The Cape Argus contacted TV Stars representative Mogamat "Gammie" Solomons, who opted not to comment at this stage, saying he would do so once he had resolved issues with the board.
Gambeno rejected suggestions that the association was undermining the cultural significance of the Klopse tradition, insisting that rules and accountability were necessary to safeguard its future.
"It's not a heritage kill," he said, responding to criticism surrounding the dispute.
Association defends rules and adjudication process
He maintained that the association cared deeply about preserving and promoting the carnival, but could not allow the competition to become a free-for-all.
Gambeno said efforts were underway to make the carnival financially sustainable, ensuring that future generations could continue participating in a tradition deeply rooted in Cape Town's communities.
He also clarified that West London All Stars was not barred from participating in the traditional Tweede Nuwe Jaar street parade, which operates separately from the KKKA competition.
West London All Stars can still join street parade
According to Gambeno, Hendricks and West London All Stars received a letter from the association approximately a month ago confirming that preparations were being made for their participation in the January 2 parade.
He said the correspondence acknowledged and respected the troupe's resignation from the association, while expressing the KKKA's desire to see West London All Stars participate in the street festivities.
The association had also expressed its hope that, despite their differences, they could work together to provide Cape Town residents with an enjoyable and safe Tweede Nuwe Jaar parade.
"No one stops anyone from coming into the road march," Gambeno said.
Addressing previous allegations of manipulated competition results, Gambeno defended the adjudication process, explaining that independent musical professionals, including academics from Stellenbosch University and the University of Cape Town, were appointed to assess performances.
He added that judges were selected for their musical expertise and independence to protect the competition's credibility.
Beyond the leadership disputes, Gambeno acknowledged that financial pressures were affecting participation, with several troupes unable to compete this season.
Financial pressure threatens troupe participation
He estimated that fielding a major troupe could cost approximately R2 million, making it increasingly difficult for some groups to sustain their operations.
The KKKA is consequently working towards restructuring and generating revenue to support participating troupes.
Gambeno said the board and TV Stars leaders were working around the clock to resolve the outstanding issues while protecting the integrity of the competition.