Durban rolls out red carpet for July

Durban will be laying out the red carpet for visitors as it hosts the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday and the highly anticipated rugby clash between the Springboks and Ireland the following week.

The events are expected to provide a significant economic stimulus to the city, drawing thousands of visitors and boosting hotels, restaurants and local businesses.

Africa’s greatest horse racing event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, takes place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, bringing together high fashion, glamour and thrilling horse racing. Just a week later, on July 13, the Springboks will face Ireland at Kings Park Stadium in what promises to be an exciting and competitive match.

The Hollywoodbets Durban July is expected to contribute R670million to the city’s GDP and is just one of several winter season events hosted in the city.

Speaking at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Experience media launch this week, Councillor Thembo Ntuli, the chairperson of economic development for the municipality, said: “The total direct impact on the City’s economy projected for the 2024 winter season is around R2.7billion. This will create 11900 employment opportunities.”

Local businesses like Max’s Lifestyle, a popular club and restaurant in uMlazi, are gearing up for the surge in visitors.

“We are excited for this weekend because our economy gets a boost. This is a good time of the year for establishments like ours because we have full events all weekend.

“One of our popular events for the Durban July weekend is the wrap-up party and we have also added ‘Mogodu Monday’, which is very popular with our guests from Johannesburg,” said Zinhle Mqadi, the CEO of Max’s Lifestyle.

“We are looking forward to this weekend because the community of uMlazi also benefits from the events we have, as we employ a number of local people,” Mqadi said.

She said major events in Durban allowed township businesses an opportunity to market themselves to domestic and international visitors.

Fashion is a big part of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. Not only are guests dressed in stylish garb but there is also a competition for emerging designers to show off their threads and a chance to win the Young Designer Award presented by Durban Fashion Fair. Expect to be blown away by student designers who will be showcasing their craft.

The designers are Fundiswa Bhengu, Ndlozi Sineziwe, Nduduzo Zwane, Nontsikelelo Godlo, Olwethu Payi, Krishan Ramdewu, Tamryn Price, Avuyile Sihlo, Siphesihle Mkhize and Ayanda Zulu.

Six established designers have been invited to showcase their interpretations of the theme “Ride The Wave”. They are Kathrin Kidger of Kathrin Kidger Designs, Karen Monk Klijnstra of KMK, Kwenzi Nkomo of Indoni Fashion House, Makhosi Ntshangase of Sistas Fela, Vanya and Thando Mangaliso of Sun Goddess and Thula Sindi of Thula Sindi.

It’s the battle of the tents as everyone wants to show off their hospitality skills by giving people a taste of luxury. While the affluent Boomtown and Afrotainment Lounge will host the elites, a number of newcomers are expected to bring more to the scene.

The Real Housewives of Durban star Nonku Williams will be introducing a new marquee, Island of Luxury, where she will be joined by several co-stars.

Formerly known as Gemelli Marquee, this tent is back for the second time under a new name, Ambrosia Haven. This year,

ProVerb has been confirmed as the host.

Guests are promised amazing food and drinks in a sanctuary of luxury as well as a star-studded line-up of Mzansi’s finest including DBN Gogo, DJ Lamiez, Glen Lewis, Funky G and more.

From the North West is In The Mix Marquee, hosted by socialite Lebo Molax.

The tent will feature performances by TKzee, DJ Fresh, Lulo Cafe, PH and Lerato Kganyago, to mention a few.

Guests can expect hundreds of celebrities and the raceday is expected to host 50000 people.

Mawhoo is among the Mzansi celebrities in attendance and she will be at the Afrotainment Lounge.

Boomtown, which is returning for the 14th edition, will bring out an array of celebs, including Ms Cosmo, KO, Major League, Ten Oceans, Goldmax, Shilly Mingz, DJ Hands and Devlin.

Making his Boomtown stage debut is Maglera Doe Boy, who is expected to perform.

Event frontman Stuart Scott said: “Now in our 14th edition, the team carefully hand-picked some of the hottest artists in the country right now, as well as a few Boomtown favourites over the years to keep our guests entertained throughout the day.

“In addition to this powerhouse line-up, we have the ultimate hospitality experience on offer for all our supporters.

From the easily accessible betting stations, the huge selection of food and fully stocked premium bars, we want everyone to feel like a VIP.”

The Mercury