Kaapse

Kaapse is an Afrikaans term meaning “Cape-related” and is used to describe things connected to the Cape region of South Africa, especially the Western Cape and the city of Cape Town. The term appears in several established names and concepts, notably Kaapse Afrikaans and Kaapse Klopse.

Kaapse Afrikaans, commonly referred to as Kaaps, is a sociolect of Afrikaans spoken in the Western Cape. It is associated with urban Cape Town communities and is distinguished by a lively vocabulary and frequent code-switching with English and Xhosa, as well as influences from Malay and other languages of the region. In literature, music, and media, Kaaps is used to express local identity and social life, and it is the subject of ongoing linguistic and cultural discussion.

Kaapse Klopse, the Cape Minstrel Carnival, is a major annual cultural festival in Cape Town. Traditionally held on Tweede Nuwe Jaar (2 January), the event began in the 19th century among freed enslaved people and today features parades by minstrel troupes, brass bands, and colorful costumes. The festival is celebrated for its role in Cape culture and urban heritage but has also faced scrutiny over its minstrel traditions and associated racial sensitivities, leading to ongoing conversations and reforms.