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[FILE IMAGE]: Horses racing at the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
The eThekwini Metro says it is ready to host thousands of visitors who will be attending the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday. It’s the largest horse racing and social event in Africa.
The Durban July attracts the finest horses, jockeys and trainers from all over South Africa, all vying for one of the country’s most prestigious titles and a substantial purse of R5 million.
Beyond the track, the Durban July is a major fashion event.
This year’s fashion theme is “Marvels of Mzansi”.
eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba says the event will boost the economy of the city.
“We are projecting a direct spent of about R278 million and over R700 million to our GDP and the creation of much-needed jobs. We are looking at about 4 000 jobs. We really welcome such spectacular events to the city. This is a 129th year the event is running without fail, every year. It’s such an exciting moment. If you are not in Durban this weekend, where will you be? That’s my question, I’m excited,” says Xaba.
Meanwhile, Race Coast events and marketing executive Stephen Marshall says the event gives upcoming fashion designers an opportunity to showcase their work.
The event will be televised on SABC TV after eight-year break.
“This event is not just about horse racing event. There wouldn’t be so much interest in it. We are very fortunate. We’ve got fashion pillar there; we’ve got entertainment; we’ve got hospitality as well on the fashion side. We are broken up in to three tiers. We’ve got your designer awards which are the designer students from around KwaZulu-Natal, who enter that competition. And from 130 entries, we are down now to the top 10, and the top three will be announced on race day. Then we’ve got the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars. That’s the next tier. These are designers who are involved in the DFF mentorship Program and we have the professional … those who have made it heavy on bands, it’s great because they offer mentorship down to the other tiers as well,” says Marshall.
Hollywoodbets Durban July, Showcasing Mzansi’s cultural marvels:
