Latest news with #DurbanJuly2025
IOL News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Glamour on the track: Boity Thulo, Carol Ofori and Jessica Nkosi dazzle at Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025
Boity Thulo representing OMODA car brand during the Durban July 2025. Image: Tumi Pakkies/ Independent Newspapers The much-anticipated Hollywoodbets Durban July (HDJ) 2025 took place on Saturday, July 5, at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse. This year's event was not just a spectacle for horse racing aficionados but also a vibrant celebration of fashion, culture, and camaraderie that drew a star-studded crowd, offering a truly unforgettable experience. Carol Ofori at the Sinayo Hospitality Marquee wearing a dress from Sibu Msimang. Image: ZamaNdosi Cele 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 From the moment the gates opened, the atmosphere was electrifying. Attendees from all walks of life arrived dressed in their finest, setting the tone for a day packed with glamour. Celebrities reigned supreme on the grounds, showcasing a breathtaking array of haute couture that left onlookers in awe. Bright colours, intricate designs and striking accessories were the order of the day, with many men and women turning the racecourse into a catwalk of elegance and style. Celebrities like Carol Ofori, Jessica Nkosi and Boity Thulo came prepared for this prestigious event. Ofori, who was dressed by Sibu Msimang, noted: " The Proteas have just won a test championship, so we are celebrating the marvels that are The Proteas. They have made history, so why not?" When asked what the HDJ means to her, she said: "It's a fun day, socialising, eating, drinking day and seeing people I haven't seen in a very long time. And betting on some horses and making some money." The radio personality said she was excited to see Somizi, noting: "I saw Somgaga arriving in a gorgeous dress. I believe there is a performance later on. I'm looking forward to that." Jessica Nkosi at the Hollywoodbets Champions Suite. Her outfit is inspired by our national flower, the protea. Image: Supplied When it came to fashion, Nkosi didn't miss a beat in sticking to the theme. As a "Marvel of Mzansi", her dress was inspired by South Africa's national flower, the Protea. As a Hollywoodbets influencer, she said the HDJ is a beautiful space with different people with different interests come together. 'If you love fashion, you can come. If you love sports you can come. If you love horses, music and food, you can come,' she said. She noted that what made this year's event different was an increase in interest and excitement in the event. Thulo, also inspired by the Protea flower, revealed that when it comes to the HDJ, comfort is a priority for her. Wearing a glittering short dress by Otiz Seflo, she noted: "When you come to the Durban July, there is a lot of walking around so for me comfort comes first. I want to be able to move comfortably. And also, it's a long evening so you don't want to be feeling overwhelmed." The HDJ has become synonymous with flamboyant fashion, but this year it elevated the bar even higher. Notably, the marquee setups added a chic layer to the event, with beautifully designed spaces that provided a refuge from the sun. Guests mingled in lavish settings adorned with floral displays and comfortable seating, indulging in gourmet catering as they prepared for the thrilling races. Mduduzi Mkhize, the project coordinator of the Executive Concerts Marquee, a marquee that's making its debut this year, said: "We felt like we needed to also showcase another side of what Durban is. "The city is vast, and it's different. We wanted to bring in a little bit of culture and bring in a little Zulu-ness and a little bit of sassiness. We wanted to show people how luxury and culture can mix." As the horses thundered down the track, the cheers from the crowd echoed throughout the racecourse. The day featured not only thrilling races but also live entertainment that kept the spirit high. With music pumping and laughter ringing out, attendees were drawn into a festive atmosphere that celebrated both the sport and the social fabric of Mzansi. In essence, this year's event reaffirmed its status as a pinnacle event in the South African calendar, blending the thrill of horse racing with the flair of fashion. It is an experience that celebrates community, sport and style in equal measure, leaving a lasting impression that attendees will carry into the years to come.
IOL News
5 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Durban July set to gallop in over R700 million for City's economy, says mayor
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. Image: Supplied As South Africa gears up for the much-anticipated Durban July 2025 horse racing event on Saturday, eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba has revealed that the city is set to reap major economic benefits, including a boost of over R700 million to Durban's GDP and the creation of more than 4,000 jobs. Themed 'Marvels of Mzansi', the prestigious horse racing event and fashion extravaganza is expected to attract approximately 50, 000 visitors to Durban with a hotel occupancy of 80%. This year's theme encourages the celebration of cultural heritage, diversity, and landscapes. Speaking to the media at the grand media launch at Westown Mall in eShongweni on Wednesday, Xaba described the annual race as a cornerstone of the city's events calendar and a significant contributor to its economy. "It will bring into the city over R278 million direct spend and over R700 million investment into our GDP. I am excited because through that, we also create jobs. Over 4,000 people will get jobs while launching this event in this place," Xaba said. The anticipated event is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the city. The launch was held at Westown Mall, which Xaba highlighted as part of a new R15 billion development in eShongweni. So far according to Xaba, R1.5 billion has been invested in the project, with the municipality contributing R600 million to bulk infrastructure to support the area's growth. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 'This place was not here last year. It was opened this year. When this development is fully rolled out, it will be a R15 billion development. It would not have been possible without the city investing over R600 million to provide bulk infrastructure.' Xaba also pointed to a separate R25 billion development north of Durban, which he said would include world-class facilities such as hotels, hospitals, commercial centres, and 12,000 residential units. Speaking to the media at the grand media launch at Westown Mall in eShongweni on Wednesday, Xaba described the annual race as a cornerstone of the city's events calendar and a significant contributor to its economy Image: Mthobisi Nozulela/IOL 'Just about three weeks ago, we launched another development... a R25 billion development north of Durban on the eastern side of M4,' Xaba said. IOL Business Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel
