Cape Town - Bharooch Event Styling and Management, the Wynberg-based company that won the R3.5 million contract to manage this year’s Kaapse Klopse celebrations, has worked on other big events, including the Cape Town International Jazz Festival and Durban’s official 2010 World Cup Fan Park.
On its website the company admits to being a “start-up company” on paper, but adds that its members have more than 15 years’ experience in the industry as “freelance specialists”. A company search indicated that Bharooch registered as a private company in May.
Other events on their website include the Unite the Stars Concerts and the SABC Crown Gospel Awards 2013.
According to its mission statement, the firm has a “wealth of knowledge in the industry through associations with event companies, different municipalities nationwide or individual clients”.
The city’s executive director of tourism, events and marketing, Anton Groenewald, said the company was appointed at the end of October after due process.
Their contract is for the delivery of the event, and runs until the end of March.
Groenewald said most of money for the minstrels project was spent early this month to secure the services and infrastructure needed.
The company would have had full responsibility for the minstrels’ events, including the Christmas Bands and Malay Choirs.
However, two of the larger minstrel associations refused to accept the city’s conditions, which included handing control of the event to Bharooch.
After threats of legal action and ongoing discussions, the city bowed to the demands of the minstrel associations.
Groenewald said: “The events company is delivering the event, which includes all the external service providers such as toilets, fencing, sound, stage, lighting and big screens. This year the minstrels will facilitate the event by ensuring that the buses, troupes, and general marshalling will be supplied on time to ensure a smooth and well-run event.”
From next year, the event will be entirely managed by the minstrel associations, with the city providing the necessary logistical support.
All queries about the company were directed to the City of Cape Town.
Cape Argus