Beer tasting and pampering on offer at premier Safari Oasis marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
As the fashion, racing, and social elite prepare to gather at Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse this Saturday for the 128th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Windhoek Beer is promising racegoers an experience that's as bold as the Marvels of Mzansi theme itself.
Windhoek said its marquee, which is designed as a Safari Oasis, will give guests a stylish escape inspired by African landscapes, culture, and flavour.
Natural textures, earthy tones, and bold heritage prints will set the scene for what the brand calls an 'unforgettable escape where flavour, connections, and Mzansi-inspired luxury come together.'
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Citizen
30 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Sunshine, good racing cheer Durban July crowd
Facelifted Greyville venue dazzles racegoers. Greyville was all set for the 2025 running of the Durban July. Picture: Darren Stewart/Gallo Images Tens of thousands of racegoers were blown away by a facelifted Greyville as they filled the venue for the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July race meeting. The sun shone brightly on the historic racecourse as veteran July attendees chatted about the massive infrastructure upgrade at the course, with phrases like 'brand new', 'paradigm shift' and 'exciting new era for racing' being exchanged. Greyville and KwaZulu-Natal horse racing have been taken over by the Hollywood group, which has pumped in many millions of rands into newly named operator Race Coast to bring fading facilities up international standards. Lighting around the circuit has been renewed, with LED technology that is cheaper, brighter and capable of staging spectacular light shows. The Polytrack has been relaid, New seating, paving, fencing, video screens and grand entranceways have been erected, And there's plenty more. Fashion was sharply in focus in the early stages of the meeting – with top designers vying for lucrative prizes under the theme 'Marvels of Mzanzi'. Animal prints, African prints, horses' heads, even military-style outfits, were much in evidence. The Hollywoodbets Durban July is a vitally important event for KwaZulu-Natal and the rescue of the floundering enterprise earlier this year has been a godsend for the province and the host city. A huge injection for the city Economic benefits of the July are huge, with 50,000 visitors to the historic event pushing hotel occupancy to 'choc-a-bloc' levels, according to Musa Zondi, KZN MEC of tourism, who circulated among racing personalities in the parade ring. eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba said: 'It will bring into the city over R278-million direct spend and over R700-million investment into our GDP.' For serious horse players, however, the day got off to a slightly ominous start with well-backed horses flopping in the first three races. Race 1 went to Rugger Lover, a 14-1 shot trained locally by Tienie Prinsloo. Race 2 winner That's My Baby, from Sean Tarry's Joburg yard, landed at 10-1, with hot favourite Princess Hannah running down the drain after starting badly. When 25-2 chance Otto Luyken did the job for raiding Cape trainer James Crawford in Race 3, punters were worried a rough day loomed for favourites. But the mood lifted with the arrival of the favourites in Races 4 and 5 – the first two legs of a Pick 6 that boasted a R13.5-million pool. The Grade 3 3000m Gold Vase went to King Pelles for jockey S'manga Khumalo and trainer Gareth van Zyl, and the Grade 2 Golden Slipper to Eastern Cape raider Anotherdanceforme for Richard Fourie and Alan Greeff. There was drama when an objection was lodged against Anotherdanceforme by the connections of second-placed Quickstepgal on grounds of the filly being hampered in the closing stages. The stipendiary stewards overruled the appeal. The sixth on the card was a bit of a hiccup for Pick 6 and Jackpot investors with … shot Chronicle King popping up in a rough-and-tumble race. But, by then, the champagne and other libations were flowing and the crowd was in high spirits.


The Citizen
37 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with 8 outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
Somizi arrived at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July with flair and an entourage ready for runway-worthy drama. Only Somizi Mhlongo could turn a day at the races into an eight-act fashion theatre. Pictures: somizi/Instagram Only Somizi Mhlongo could turn a day at the races into an eight-act fashion theatre. The multi-talented entertainer arrived at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July with flair and an entourage ready for runway-worthy drama. As always, Somizi didn't just attend the Durban July, he became the moment. With this year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, the choreographer and media personality took creative freedom to the next level by collaborating with Hollywood Costumes to produce not one, not two, but eight show-stopping outfits to be revealed throughout the day. Each look was layered in symbolism, satire and sparkling craftsmanship, capturing the essence of South African identity with Somizi's signature edge. ALSO READ: Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle Dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Somizi's look 1: The Headliner Somizi's arrival looked immediately to set social media ablaze. Wearing a custom gown covered in actual clippings of South African newspaper headlines, he floated across the Greyville racecourse like a walking front page. The high-collared, floor-length ensemble included dramatic puffed sleeves and a statement headpiece adorned with the words: 'No DNA, Just RSA.' There are also rumours of him arriving in a helicopter. The accompanying wig was an architectural feat in itself — stacked into the shape of the African continent and dyed in the colours of the South African flag. 'This look says I'm made in South Africa, by South Africa,' Somizi quipped during a quick interview. 'We are more than our genetics, we're our spirit, our culture, our resilience.' Costume Theatre, Mzansi style. The newspaper look was only the beginning. Throughout the day, fans and photographers gathered in anticipation of each transformation. Every hour or so, Somizi re-emerged in a fresh, jaw-dropping outfit that sparked laughter, applause and endless camera flashes. Sources close to the production reveal that the upcoming looks include a full, beaded warrior-inspired ensemble, a drag-style sparkling bodysuit with a Ndebele cape, a reimagined 1980s disco take on traditional Xhosa wear and a final 'red carpet reveal' outfit rumoured to involve a mechanical element because, of course. Each design was carefully constructed by a team of stylists and costume designers at Hollywood Costumes and their label, Sompire Fashion, with Somizi's vision at the forefront. 'I didn't want to just dress for Durban July,' he said. 'I wanted to honour the July and remind people why fashion is also performance art.' NOW READ: WATCH: Somizi and Kelly Khumalo set the stage on fire with sizzling dance moves


The Citizen
an hour ago
- The Citizen
Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle Dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July
This year's Durban July theme celebrates local creativity, heritage, and bold self-expression. Mihlale Ndamase, Cyan Boujee and Gogo Skhotheni at the Durban July. Pictures: Supplied The Hollywoodbets Durban July is in full swing at the iconic Greyville Racecourse, transforming the coastal city into a runway of high fashion, culture, and South African excellence. This year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, is more than just a nod to beauty – it's a celebration of local creativity, heritage, and bold self-expression. From classic couture to proudly traditional garments, designers have interpreted the theme with flair, and one name stands tall in the glittering crowd: Siphosihle Masango. ALSO READ: PICS: What Mihlali, Gogo Skhotheni and Tbo Touch will be wearing at Durban July today! A Fashionable force from the City of Gold Hailing from Gauteng, Masango is proving once again why his brand, Masango by Siphosihle, is one of the most sought-after fashion houses in the country. Known for his detailed tailoring and artistic storytelling through fabric, Siphosihle brought a touch of Jozi glam to Durban, dressing some of the country's most talked-about personalities for this year's event. Masango's designs are being worn today by some of the biggest names in local pop culture—Cyan Boujee, Mihlali Ndamase, and celebrity stylist Phupho Gumede—each representing Joburg's glitz, grit, and cultural fusion. Social media sensation and beauty influencer Cyan Boujee stunned in a structural gold corseted gown with sweeping metallic draping, exuding the kind of boldness only Masango could deliver. 'This is my superhero moment,' Cyan posted on her Instagram, referring to the Marvels of Mzansi theme while posing against the Durban skyline. Mihlali Ndamase, no stranger to red carpets, took a more subtle yet equally powerful approach. She wore a regal black velvet number embellished with hand-beaded Ndebele motifs across the bust and sleeves. The look nodded to cultural royalty while keeping with Masango's signature luxury. Stylist Phupho Gumede—who has been making waves not only for his own style but also for that of his celebrity clients—showed up in a sharp, gender-fluid emerald green suit featuring layered fabrics and dramatic shoulder detailing. It was a standout moment that merged fashion-forward thinking with African identity. ALSO READ: Marvels of Mzansi: What to wear to the Durban July 2025 Design with a Purpose Masango doesn't just design clothes—he tells stories. 'My pieces are about where we come from, but also where we're going. Marvels of Mzansi isn't just about land or architecture, it's about people—people who shine despite the odds,' he said in a quick interview at one of the marquees. What sets Masango apart is his ability to merge structure with soul, and this year's Durban July collection was no exception. Every stitch and silhouette spoke to South Africa's resilience, vibrancy, and ever-evolving fashion scene. NOW READ: Here's to a Royal Victory at Durban July