By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The people are dressed to the nines, and at some point, 50,000 people will fill the stands of the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse for the Durban July 2025 spectacle.
A direct cash injection of nearly R300 million is expected for this, South Africa’s premier horseracing event.
The 129th Hollywoodbets Durban July unfolds under the vibrant theme “Marvels of Mzansi.”
All eyes will be on the three-year-old colt, trained by Justin Snaith and ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie, as he heads into the R5 million Durban July on the back of some impressive results.
Eight of Eighteen, who comes in at 14/10 to win on Saturday, came out tops at the prestigious Cape Town Met in January, and again at the SplashOut Cape Derby a month later. And for good measure, the young colt was also victorious in the Daily News 2000 in Durban.
Sail The Seas, the only horse to beat Eight of Eighteen this year, will not be in Durban. Oriental Charm, the winner from last year, is expected to give Eight of Eighteen a run for his money, coming in at 11/2 to take top honours.
Every stitch and silhouette spoke to South Africa’s resilience, vibrancy, and ever-evolving fashion scene.
Media personality and style icon Sithelo Shozi hogged the spotlight in a jaw-dropping feathered creation by designer Nolanga Made. Inspired by the Indwe, a symbol of wisdom and protection in South African culture, Sithelo’s look was a powerful celebration of strength and heritage.
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.
DJ and YouTuber Cyan Boujee and digital content creator Doro Mongy also turned heads in designs by Masango by Siphosihle. Cyan’s look was a bold statement of individuality, incorporating superhero-inspired elements that resonated with the theme’s celebration of South African resilience and brilliance.
Renowned designer Gert-Johan Coetzee, whose tips for interpreting the theme were widely shared, emphasized the importance of statement pieces that reflect the vibrancy and soul of South Africa.
The event also featured the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars, the Hollywoodbets Durban July Invited Designers Showcase, and the Young Designer competition, spotlighting 25 designers who brought the theme to life on the main stage.