City unveils plans ahead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July
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Date: 2025-07-08 13:36:41

City unveils plans ahead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July

ETHEKWINI NEWSFLASH
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
2 JULY 2025
 
CITY UNVEILS PLANS AHEAD OF THE HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY
 
It’s all systems go as the City prepares to host Africa’s largest horseracing event, the Hollywoodbets Durban July taking place on 5 July at the Greyville Racecourse.
 
The City’s tourism and hospitality industry is prepared to welcome scores of visitors descending on Durban for the event, while safety and security plans have also been finalised.
 
Themed ‘Marvels of Mzansi’, the prestigious horseracing event and fashion extravaganza is expected to attract approximately 50 000 visitors to Durban with a hotel occupancy of 80 percent. This year’s theme encourages the celebration of cultural heritage, diversity, and landscapes.
 
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Cyril Xaba today, 2 July unpacked the City’s state of readiness and unveiled planned events during the Durban July Grand Experience media launch held at Westown Square.
 
Mayor Xaba said safety measures have been put in place to ensure the event and related activities occur seamlessly.
 
“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.”
 
He said the projections for the economic impact on eThekwini from the Durban July weekend are far reaching. This is due to several events taking place. 
 
“The direct spend is estimated at R278 million, with a total of R700 million contribution to the eThekwini GDP and a total number of 4 000 jobs to be created,” said Mayor Xaba.
 
Representatives from partners, including Hollywoodbets and Gold Circle, said they are excited for the event, with plans in motion to ensure a successful day.
 
Besides the exciting horse racing, the Hollywoodbets Durban July provides a platform for both upcoming and established fashion designers to showcase their creative talent. In this regard, 25 designers will showcase their 'Marvels of Mzansi' collections on the main stage, as part of the Durban July Fashion Experience - a collaboration between eThekwini Municipality and the Hollywood Foundation.
 
The fashion programme has the following three categories:
 
-The Young Designers Awards features 10 student finalists competing for top honours. The top three winners will receive bursaries and a fashion travel package.
-The Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars category presents nine emerging designers, supported by eThekwini Municipality's Fashion Development Programme. Winners will share a R250 000 cheque for business development.
-The Invited Designer Showcase includes six established designers, four of whom are graduates of the same Fashion Development Programme and are now successful industry names.
Through this event, designers will get exposure to thousands of attendees and potential buyers.
 
In keeping with Durban’s tag line of being Africa's Playground and Africa’s leading festival and event destination, there will be events both in the City and townships over the weekend. These events include Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, Anywhere in the City, and Mojo's July Weekend among others.
 
Chairperson of the Economic Development and Planning Committee Councillor Thembo Ntuli said the Durban July promises to deliver memorable experiences once again.
 
“It is time to celebrate the vibrant spirit of Durban as the City transforms into a hub of glamour, excitement, and world-class entertainment,” he said.
 
For more information go to www.visitdurban.travel or follow @DBNTourism on social media.
 
End
 
Issued by eThekwini Municipality’s Communications and Marketing Directorate