Marvels of Mzansi: Best and boldest celebrity looks from the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July
Image: Supplied/Marvy MDs Photos
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is one of South Africa's premier lifestyle events that brings together celebrities, influencers, horse lovers, and entertainers.
A horse racing event it may be, but all eyes are on the fashion, with Marvels of Mzansi being this year's theme; designers have taken leaps when it comes to interpreting the theme.
Various marquees at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse were filled with attendees dressed to impress in their finest interpretations, some hit the mark and others missed.
Marvels of Mzansi is a simple yet playful theme that can be interpreted in numerous ways, after all South Africa is filled with marvels.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Mihlali Ndamase
Digital content creator Mihlali Ndamase made her return to the Hollywoodbets Durban July this year after a two-year absence, and she ensured to pull out all the stops.
Dressed by Masango by Siphosihle, Ndamase reigned as queen of the July, a title that has been previously held by Jessica Nkosi.
Ndamase and Masango gave IOL an exclusive look at the custom outfit, at their photoshoot done at Mapatiza Mine, which was a fitting location for the gold-inspired outfit.
'One of our mineral resources being gold and big in the country, it had to be a part of my dress as well as honouring the Ndebele tribe and Ester Mahlangu and the work she has done. We took those two big elements of South Africa and put it in one dress,' said Ndamase.
Masango by Siphosihle also dressed stylist Phupho Gumede, DJ and reality TV personality Gogo Skhotheni and DJ and creator Cyan Boujee and his looks have had the public raving.
Sithelo Shozi
As dubbed by her fans, 'the Mayor' did not disappoint when it came to her Hollywoodbets Durban July outfit.
Shozi turned heads as she embodied the Marvels of Mzansi theme in a breathtaking feathered creation by Nolanga Made.
Inspired by Indwe, her look celebrated strength and heritage with striking flair.
Nolanga Made also dressed award-winning actress Linda Mtoba.
Sithelo Shozi delivered yet another unforgettable fashion moment at this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Image: K Paparrazi
Sarah Langa
The queen of high-end labels, Sarah Langa, took creativity to another level, with her interpretation of Marvels of Mzansi.
Langa made a fearless statement in head-to-toe Balmain, paying homage to South Africa's Skhotane cultural movement.
Drenched in unapologetic opulence, her golden silk set, co-styled by Phupho Gumede K, Langa honoured the bold, misunderstood legacy of the Skhotane; masters of fearless self-expression who turned flamboyance into a symbol of status, value, and prosperity.
Her creative photoshoot featuring Ultra Mel custard had her fans buzzing.
Sarah Langa dazzled when it came to creativity with her Skhothani inspired outfit.
Image: Supplied
Thando Thabethe
Award-winning actress and media powerhouse Thando Thabethe delivered a standout fashion moment at this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Thabethe's look, in reality, looked much better than her dramatic photoshoot. The verdict is still out about pre-event photoshoots, as sometimes the polished looks do not match the reality.
At the Hollywoodbets Durban July Champions room, Thabethe left behind the 3D flowers and the extra bottom of her dress, giving her a relaxed look for the horses.
Thabethe drew inspiration from South Africa's indigenous floral landscape with a custom creation by Willet Designs Couture.
A couture homage to the land where 'valleys cradle winding rivers, mountains rise in quiet majesty, and the sky bursts into purple and orange at sunset,' echoing Thabethe's own words.
Thando Thabethe drew inspiration from South Africa's indigenous floral landscape with a custom creation by Willet Designs Couture
Image: Supplied/Aust Malema
Lamiez Holworthy, once again, teamed up with Q'Mane to create a powerful statement outfit that honoured South African queens.
Other notable looks that dazzled came from influencer and YouTuber Pumla Dineo, who looked like a glass of water. The water vibes didn't stop there. Host and DJ Amanda Zinhle wore a custom Faitee Stiches, which snatched her waist and brought out her radiant skin colour.
Rapper Anele Zondo went for a thatch mat-inspired look by The Xviii Victorian that looked better on her Instagram photoshoot, as without the extra details, it lacked the wow factor.
The Protea flower must be exhausted after all the interpretations it had at the Hollywoodbets Durban July, from Boity Thulo, Zanele Potelwa and Jessica Nkosi.
Each personality rocked the national flower assisted by their designers. Nkosi once again worked with Ruberto Scholtz, and this looked should have been at the South African Film and Television Awards instead of the Hollywoodbets Durban July.
Thulo's look by Othiz Seflo might have been better without the protea at the back. Potelwa's look, also by Othiz Seflo, was safe, and it looked like her flower and Thulo's flower came from the same material, but more was used for Potelwa.
Whether or not the stars nailed Marvels of Mzansi is up for debate, but one thing is clear: comfort was not a priority. In true July fashion, overdressing was the name of the game.
From couture tributes to cultural icons to extravagant misfires, this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July proved once again why it's the ultimate playground for South African fashion.
IOL Lifestyle
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Citizen
3 days ago
- The Citizen
Celebration of landmark film month with powerful stories, historic wins
DURBAN was abuzz during July, known as Film Month, when the industry recorded milestones and honoured its shining stars. Against the vibrant backdrop of Simon Sabela Awards (SSA), school holidays, the Hollywoodbets Durban July, and a suite of world-class film industry events, the city saw a marked increase in visitor numbers, hotel occupancies, and creative output, reinforcing KZN's position as the cultural and tourism heartbeat of South Africa. Hosted and co-ordinated by the KZN Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), July Film Month 2025 involved three major events – the Durban International Film Festival (DIFF), the Durban Film Mart (DFM) and the SSA. Also read: Local learner wins big in glitzy film, TV awards These key events seamlessly aligned with the peak holiday season, drawing thousands of creatives, holidaymakers and industry players to Durban. 'KwaZulu-Natal came alive this July – not just through film, but across every corridor of our tourism economy,' said a delighted Jackie Motsepe, chief operating officer of KZNTAFA. 'We saw a deliberate crossover between leisure and the creative sector. 'Early indicators reveal that this was one of the most vibrant Julys in recent memory for KZN, drawing tourists and boosting local economies. Tens of thousands of visitors descended on Durban for the Hollywoodbets Durban July, a major crowd-puller on Africa's social calendar. We used Film Month to show the world what KZN can do – from beach to bush, from cinema to celebration – and the response has been extraordinary,' added Motsepe. 'Film Month was more than an industry activation, it was a province-wide celebration that brought together leisure, culture, business and heritage. Durban's streets buzzed with visitors, cinemas came alive with new voices, and red carpets were rolled out for local legends and future stars. 'Film Month was more than an industry activation – it was a province-wide celebration that brought together leisure, culture, business and heritage. Durban's streets buzzed with visitors, cinemas came alive with new voices, and red carpets were rolled out for local legends and future stars,' said Motsepe. 'We have seen what's possible when we bring our sectors together. This is the blueprint – and we're just getting started,' said Motsepe. For more from Berea Mail, follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
PICS: Inside Markus Jooste's R105 million estate in Voëlklip
The Voëlklip home at the center of a new Markus Jooste buzz. Image: Supplied A prominent estate in Hermanus's Voëlklip area, previously owned by former Steinhoff CEO Markus Jooste, has been listed for sale. IOL has confirmed Jooste's connection to the property, which is expected to fetch upwards of R100 million. It offers a distinguished location with uninterrupted, panoramic views of Walker Bay, globally renowned for its spectacular whale-watching. Paul Kruger, licensee for Seeff Hermanus, describes it as a "legacy property," and one of the most significant coastal residential holdings, a rare investment opportunity. A source close to the sale says this home was where Jooste walked down the cliff path and took his own life. The house was later attached by the South African Reserve Bank in execution of a debt judgment, although the bank did not go through with an attempted sale earlier this year as the price was not high enough. The estate occupies nearly 7,000 m² of prime coastal land, an unusually large double plot with uninterrupted views of Walker Bay. The boundary wall stretches at least 500 meters, highlighting the property's significant scale and privacy. The main residence measures 2,082 square meters and includes seven bedrooms, three lounges, and 10 garages among other rooms. Additional structures include a 259m² 'Heritage Cottage' and a separate flatlet. The house is built in Cape vernacular style, with high ceilings and large reception areas. 'Due to the high profile of the property, the sale will be managed with the discretion and professionalism that a property of this caliber demands,' Seeff said. Due to the high profile of the property, the sale will be managed with the discretion and professionalism that a property of this calibre demands. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading An aerial view of the home Markus Joost bought from the Rupert family. Image: Supplied Jooste, at the center of South Africa's largest corporate scandal, reportedly died by suicide in 2024 at this home. The Financial Services Conduct Authority is pursuing a R475 million penalty against his estate, which could include proceeds from the sale. According to a PwC investigation, Jooste earned millions annually, with bonuses up to R20 million in some years and up to R25 million for individual deals. Many of these deals were later found to be fictitious, contributing to Steinhoff's financial collapse. The most expensive home ever sold in South Africa went for R290 million in 2016, which IOL estimates is worth around R722 million today after inflation adjustments.
IOL News
4 days ago
- IOL News
Criselda Kananda leads the charge as ambassador for the Tribute To Women concert
Known for her unwavering commitment to empowering women and simplifying public health through media, Dr. Kananda now brings her leadership to the arts and culture space. Image: Supplied Broadcaster, global health advocate, and social entrepreneur Dr. Criselda Kananda has been appointed Ambassador of the Tribute To Women concert and Chairperson of the Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation. The Tribute To Women concert, long known for its soulful homage to feminine excellence, has entered a bold new chapter, one underscored by vision, resilience, and transformative purpose. For years, Dr. Kananda has dedicated her life to building platforms for women's advancement across various sectors, including health, education, media, leadership, and beyond. Her lived experience as a health and wellness champion, including over a decade on South African airwaves simplifying health for the masses, makes her a fitting steward for a festival that exists to celebrate and empower. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ In conversation with IOL, Kananda shared plans to expand the concert's impact beyond the event through year-round workshops on financial management and mental health for artists, extending to rural villages to discover and empower women. 'I love the fact that what is infused this time around with my involvement is that we're not just going to celebrate and have fun on August 24. 'We're putting together workshops that empower women, and we're going to do storytelling. We're going to empower artists in areas ranging from financial management to mental health because that is an area of our society that is often neglected." Kananda shared that the initiatives will reach deep into rural villages to discover and celebrate women with creative genius, ensuring that empowerment is not limited to urban areas. The Malibongwe Arts Festival Foundation's commitment to creating lasting legacies for women in the creative sector. Kananda detailed that the workshops are aimed at educating artists and DJs about royalties and needle time, emphasizing the business aspect of entertainment to prevent artists from facing financial struggles later in their careers. 'We need to empower artists on how to look after their brands, how to look after their money, and how to have a lasting legacy and lasting impression,' said Kananda. Kananda shared a vision for fostering women leaders by showcasing multiple positive characteristics from various influential women rather than relying on single role models. She emphasized the importance of challenging societal perceptions that confine women to traditional roles and promoting self-love and wisdom-seeking among young women. 'I'm hoping that through these partnerships, as we showcase and build this longevity, we begin to showcase a quality of a human being.' For years, Kananda has dedicated her life to building platforms for women's advancement across various sectors, including health, education, media, leadership, and beyond. She is a strong advocate for diabetes awareness, aiming to change the public perception by renaming it from "sugar disease" to emphasize its dangers. Her lived experience as a health and wellness champion, including over a decade on South African airwaves simplifying health for the masses, makes her a fitting steward for a festival that exists to celebrate and empower. She holds an executive role at 360 Global Solutions, an investment company owned by NUMSA. She does work in advocating for the recognition of traditional African medicines and the development of South African-based vaccines. Kananda is committed to living a life of purpose, with her goal being to be a symbol of hope and to bring value through their various endeavors. The Tribute to Women concert takes place at Marks Park in Emmarentia on August 26. Makhadzi, Thandiswa Mazwai, Mi Casa, The Soil, Lloyiso, Ami Faku, and Makhadzi. IOL Entertainment
