Hollywoodbets Durban July leads the way in KZN tourism surge
Image: eThekwini Municipality
KwaZulu-Natal is experiencing a significant tourism surge this winter, with the Hollywoodbets Durban July leading a packed calendar of cultural, sporting, and film-related events. These events are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and inject millions into the local economy.
EThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba yesterday announced the City's state of readiness to host Africa's premier horse racing and fashion event, set to take place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday.
'We anticipate R278 million in direct spend and close to R700 million contribution to the GDP. This will create over 4,000 jobs,' said Xaba of the event's economic impact.
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba speaks to the media at the launch event for the Hollywoodbets Durban July a Westown, Shongweni yesterday.
Image: eThekwini Municipality
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Ad Loading
Hotel occupancy is expected to reach 80%, with over 50,000 local and international visitors expected to descend on Durban for the event.
'The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than a race – it is a catalyst for social cohesion as it unites South Africans through the passion of sport, the expression of cultural pride, and the glamour of fashion,' Xaba said.
To ensure safety, Xaba confirmed that 'our law enforcement agencies have developed an integrated safety plan, supported by the private security industry. Visitors are guaranteed a safe stay in the city with high police visibility, particularly around the Greyville precinct and other strategic sites across the municipality.'
The event's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, celebrates South Africa's cultural heritage and diversity.
The Durban July Fashion Experience, hosted in collaboration with the Hollywood Foundation, will feature 25 designers. The programme is divided into three categories: the Young Designers Awards with 10 student finalists; the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars with nine emerging designers who will share R250,000 for business development; and the Invited Designer Showcase with six established designers, four of whom are graduates of the city's Fashion Development Programme.
'Through this event, these designers will get exposure to thousands of attendees and potential buyers,' said Xaba.
The Durban July will also be supported by city-wide activations and spin-off events including music events such as Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, Anywhere in the City, and Mojo's July Weekend to spread festivities across the townships and suburbs.
KZN's broader winter tourism season has also gained momentum. According to the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), the province is expecting a 12–15% increase in domestic arrivals this July compared to 2024, translating to around R500 million in tourism-related contributions.
'July will deliver a substantial surge in domestic travel, thanks to the alignment of the school holidays, hallmark events and our temperate winter climate,' said KZNTAFA Interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi.
Gumbi added that the Hollywoodbets Durban July alone is expected to bring in significant tourism spend.
At KZNTAFA's hospitality marquee at Greyville, guests will enjoy an exclusive fashion installation curated by top KZN designers in collaboration with cultural curators, ahead of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards on 19 July.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
an hour ago
- TimesLIVE
Last-minute Durban July outfit? Here's Phupho Gumede's top styling tips
From Mzansi's own Met Gala to Nigerian vs South African red carpets, we keep up with South Africa's revered stylist on all things fashion With a career defined by breathtaking stills and red carpet looks, Phupho Gumede does not just turn heads for what he wears but how he has helped curate striking ensembles that define South African style. As one of the Hollywood Bets Durban July ambassadors, we find out from Gumede how best to rock the 'Made in Mzansi' theme and his thoughts on the local fashion industry. What can fans look forward to in what you will wear and dress your clients in? We are kicking it up a notch this year. We're going to showcase artistic pieces with 3D elements between me and the people I'm styling. While I don't want to say I've been ahead of the game, I feel I've been ahead of the curve until the curve became a spear, so this is a continuation of trying to figure out what's next. What were your thoughts about this year's theme? I was a bit confused the first time I heard it and, after some time, I realised this is a broad theme. If you miss it, it's by choice. I love that people can celebrate all things local, especially after the recent march by South African fashion designers to encourage the government to review laws about buying and supporting local designs. It's not only a fashion theme but also a sociopolitical conversation. Does the Durban July prove we are ready for Mzansi's own Met Gala? There's only one Met Gala and we should not fantasise or flirt with the idea of different regions around the world having an event of that stature. The Durban July echoes what a Met Gala is, but it's not structured in the same way. When it comes to how people show up, it echoes that stature. South African stars get a lot of flak in comparison to other international stars, especially Nollywood's fashionistas. Having dressed so many of these stars in and out of the country, do you think it's a fair judgment? I do not think the Nigerian fashion industry is greater than South Africa's. Do celebrities on the red carpet in Nigeria dress better than those in South Africa? For sure, but celebrities on the red carpet are not a reflection of a fashion industry. There are a lot of factors at play to make what can be titled a fashion industry, such as the retail environment, manufacturers, quality control, fashion media and platforms such as fashion weeks. The value chain, from pre-manufacturing to garment resting is much broader in South Africa than it is in Nigeria. As someone who has been a few times to Nigeria and has a few friends in the industry and understands how it works there, there's definitely a broader difference. However, the Nigerian public put a lot more intention into their looks. Take, for example, last year's Bridgerton Ball. We had a few Nigerians come to the ball and they had already shot images for what they were going to wear. That is how far they are willing to go for their looks, while some of our South African stars were probably still getting the finishing stitches to their outfits on the day of the event. It's about intention, that is why it reflects more on the red carpets of Nigerian stars. Any tips for those who have last-minute outfit changes or haven't picked a look yet? First, you should know yourself in how far you are willing to push. Whether it's comfort or revealing clothing, you need to know yourself and reflect it in your outfit. I can carry an uncomfortable look throughout the day without anyone picking it up, but if you know you cannot, it will show and it can affect your confidence levels. Second, stay on theme. South Africans have become strict about themes. Get a stylist to help you interpret and put the look together. There's a reason it's a stylist's job. When I was young there used to be this ad that said 'get an adult to help you', so get an adult to help you. If you could pick a theme for the next Durban July, what would it be? I'm working on my third original fashion event titled 'Truth or Dare: Fashion's Fascination with Mythology'. It would be great to see how everyone interprets that. Fashion and mythology have always been intertwined, from Versace's Medusa to Dolce & Gabanna's aesthetic. Fashion has always borrowed from mythical creatures and stories. Even in Africa we have things such as ibhayi, which is tied to spirituality.
TimesLIVE
2 hours ago
- TimesLIVE
The Weekend of Marvels: Savanna is upping the ante this Durban July
Savanna Premium Cider is set to make its boldest mark on the cultural calendar yet with the launch of The Weekend of Marvels, a full-scale takeover of the Durban July weekend. From Friday July 4 to Sunday July 6, Savanna invites friends of the brand to experience an exclusive fusion of fashion, comedy, and crisp, dry cider culture, all unfolding across three premium 'moments' designed to honour Mzansi's true marvels — its people. 1. The Savanna Pre-Race Affair Hotels are cute, but VVIP has a new level with the Savanna Manor — the exclusive address of the brand's most valued guests for the weekend. But fret not, it's opening the doors to kick things off on Friday with the exclusive Savanna Pre-Race Affair, where invited guests will gather at the luxurious coastal location for golden-hour glamour, comedy cameos, and cider served neat. 2. The Savanna Neat Speakeasy Saturday shifts the scene to Greyville Racecourse, where Savanna challenges invited guests to find the Neat Speakeasy inside the Chaise Lounge. This unforgettable trackside experience will feature live commentary, curated comedy and cameo appearances from Madame Wae Jae Papa Na and Comedian of the Year Celeste Ntuli and The Givahs, a sensational squad featuring comedian Mpho Popps, actor and media personality Moshe Ndiki, and voice-over artist and podcaster Farieda Metsileng. At the Hollywoodbets Durban July, the brand will also debut its themed 'Marvels of Mzansi' fashion in collaboration with rising South African designer Nao Serati, who once dressed the esteemed Chakalaka Norris. The looks — bold, witty, and culturally fluent — are created to disrupt the race-day fashion narrative, offering a couture interpretation of local flair with dry humour in every stitch. 3. The Savanna Sunday Soiree On Sunday, the weekend wraps with a crisp cool-down at the Savanna Manor. The Savanna Sunday Soiree will definitely not be your ordinary beach party. From a fashion stunt made to make headlines to a speakeasy and comedy takeover at the track, we're bringing SA something truly iconic Kayla Hendricks, Savanna's marketing communication manager 'This year, we're redefining how Savanna does the Hollywoodbets Durban July,' says Kayla Hendricks, marketing communication manager at Savanna. 'The Weekend of Marvels is Savanna's boldest presence yet. From a fashion stunt made to make headlines to a speakeasy and comedy takeover at the track, we're bringing SA something truly iconic. It's dry, stylish and deeply rooted in our culture. A full weekend celebration of the Marvels that make Mzansi magical.' Follow the crisp, dry chaos as it unfolds on Savanna's social media accounts (@SavannaCider on Instagram, X and Facebook) — and if you're lucky, you might just land yourself a spot to experience the action yourself. From exclusive events to juicy giveaways, you won't want to miss a moment. Tag your #ItsGiving moments with #SiyavannaSA — because it's dry, but you can drink it.
IOL News
3 hours ago
- IOL News
Hollywoodbets Durban July ready to dazzle - on and off the course
Bronwyn Zulu, wearing a Kathrin Kidger outfit which is part of the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designer Showcase, with Madison Valley, which is trained by Frank Robinson and will be ridden by Gavin Lerena in the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday. Image: Candiese Lenferna | Race Coast | Gameplan Media The 128th running of the Hollywoodbets Durban July is set to unfold at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse this Saturday, promising an extravagant showcase of horse racing, fashion, and entertainment. Under the Durban skies—perhaps with a hint of winter chill—the event will gather the finest fashionistas, designers, and models, alongside the country's elite trainers and jockeys, for an unforgettable day filled with excitement. The highlight of the day, Race Seven, will take place at 4pm. Eighteen of South Africa's best middle-distance horses will compete fiercely for a share of the R5 million prize in the anticipated 2200m race. As each horse charges down the track, the atmosphere is sure to be electric, drawing cheers from an enthusiastic crowd. Luyolo Madlala (right), in a Kheta Thango outfit which is a finalist in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award competition, and Shenal Zulu in a DFF Rising Stars outfit designed by Mbasa Ndongeni, with Madison Valley Image: Candiese Lenferna | Race Coast | Gameplan Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ This year's theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi,' serves as an artistic canvas for designers, both amateur and professional, to express their creativity on one of the most glamorous stages of the South African social calendar. The fashion component of the event promises to be a highlight, comprising three official segments: the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designers Showcase, and the competition for the ten Young Designer finalists. Attendees will not only witness dazzling outfits but will also learn who among the student designers will take home incredible prizes and this prestigious title. Fashion followers can look forward to a vibrant display of style and creativity, with the public encouraged to embrace the theme through their outfits. The Hollywoodbets Durban July Raceday Fashion Awards will allow ticket holders to showcase their unique fashion choices across various categories, including classic racewear for both men and women, best dressed couple, and the standout raceday hat or fascinator. Beyond the racetrack, the infield, marquee village, and picturesque picnic spots will transform into networking havens, where elegance meets festive fun. Attendees can indulge in culinary delights and partake in a lively atmosphere, enhanced by quality music performances and DJs providing entertainment well into the night. Big screens will ensure that race fans won't miss a moment of the action, ensuring a day filled with thrills and smiles. The 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July stands as a testament to the event's rich heritage, being one of the longest-running racing spectacles in the annals of horse racing history. This year, everyone is promised an enchanting day filled with every facet of entertainment—from the exhilarating races to the artistry of fashion, delectable cuisine, and vibrant music—a celebration not to be missed. IOL
