The 129th edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July, Africa's premier horse racing and social event, took place on July 5, 2025, at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. The event attracted approximately 50,000 attendees, including horse racing enthusiasts, fashion aficionados, and socialites, and was held under the theme "Marvels of Mzansi," celebrating South African creativity, heritage, and bold self-expression. The Durban July weekend featured a blend of world-class horse racing, cultural spectacles, fashion showcases, and entertainment, with marquee experiences and notable appearances such as soccer legend Michael Owen. The race day included 18 of South Africa’s top thoroughbreds competing for a R5 million purse, with jockey Andrew Fortune winning the Ridgemont Garden Province Stakes. The event generated an estimated R278 million in direct spending and contributed over R700 million to eThekwini’s GDP, while creating more than 4,000 jobs, providing a substantial boost to the local economy and tourism sector. Organizers and local authorities implemented comprehensive security measures to ensure safety during the festivities. The event also highlighted South African fashion, with nearly 100 participants competing in the Durban July Fashion Experience and prominent designers like Masango by Siphosihle gaining attention. The Durban July weekend extended beyond the race day, featuring cultural takeovers, comedy events, and social gatherings that energized the city’s hospitality and tourism industries.
While Somizi may have won our pages in his custom Sunday Times gown, we look at other head turners to see who took gold and who was outpaced. https://t.co/peiZYvJn97
The quirky pickle-themed event from Friday to Sunday is expected to drive hundreds of thousands of people into the city and encompass an expanded footprint. https://t.co/U7xLFQM2ld
Actor and choreographer Somizi Mhlongo took on this year’s “Marvels of Mzansi” theme for the Durban July by transforming the pages of the Sunday Times into a fashion statement. https://t.co/pApqFQOpIs