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News24
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Thando Thabethe and 9 more glamorous looks from the 2025 Durban July
Another weekend of opulent fashion and exciting races took over South Africa. The anticipated 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July came once again on the first Saturday of July with sun, glamour and more entertainment for the masses. Thousands flocked to the Greyville Racecourse in Durban on 5 July for a day filled with the anticipation of winning big, extravagant marquees and, of course, exquisite fashion. Guests were treated to a wide range of exclusive experiences including musicians like Mafikizolo, DJ Zinhle, Langa Mavuso, Mandisi Dyantyis and more livening up exclusive spots. Musician @LangaMav shows up and shows out in @imprintza representing the theme 'Marvels of Mzansi' at the Durban July. #DurbanJuly2025 — TRUELOVE Magazine (@TrueLoveMag) July 5, 2025 The 2025 theme of 'Marvels of Mzansi' saw regular guests and A-list attendees bringing to life the best in South African heritage and spirit into their outfits. Fashion label Khosi Nkosi revealed a special collaboration collection with car brand Omoda as a celebration of the theme with guests like Boity and Anele Zondo praising Simphiwe Ngema and Tino Chinyani's fashion show addition into the festivities. Musical artist @neythebae_sa stuns in a XVIII Victorian gown and tells us how she's embodying a Zulu goddess. #DurbanJuly2025 — TRUELOVE Magazine (@TrueLoveMag) July 5, 2025 Take a look at some more top looks from this year's Durban July: 1. Sithelo Shozi in Nolanga Made View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sithelo Shozi (@_sithelo) 2. LootLove in Orapeleng Modutle View this post on Instagram A post shared by LOOTLOVE™ (@lootlove2) 3. Thando Thabethe in Willet Designs Couture View this post on Instagram A post shared by Thando Thabethe (@thando_thabethe) 4. Mihlali Ndamase in Masango by Siphosihle View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mihlali Ndamase (@mihlalii_n) 5. Boity in Otiz Seflo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Boity Thulo (@boity) 6. Yolanda Vilakazi and Kwesta in Eric by Design and Athenkosi View this post on Instagram A post shared by KwestaDaKAR (@kwestadakar) 7. Lamiez Holworthy-Morule in Q'mane View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy) 8. Sarah Langa in Balmain View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga) 9. Zanele Potelwa in Otiz Seflo View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zanele Potelwa (@zanelepotelwa) 10. Mawhoo in Orapeleng Modutle View this post on Instagram A post shared by RICH MONALISA (@mawhoo_)
News24
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- News24
Marvels and misses: The best and worst of Durban July fashion
The Hollywoodbets Durban July showcased stunning fashion, with many celebrities and influencers attending and showcasing their interpretations of the theme Marvels of Mzansi. Some attendees, such as Zola Mhlongo and Omuhle Gela, missed the mark with their outfits, while others, like Sithelo Shozi and Mihlali Ndamase dazzled with their bold and creative choices. Somizi Mhlongo gave six different interpretations of the theme celebrating himself and Soweto in the mix. While we couldn't quite tell what the likes of DJ Zinhle, Zola Mhlongo, and Omuhle Gela were marvelling at, most Mzansi stars brought their A-game to this year's Hollywoodbets Durban July, held at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. Although the annual event is also about horse racing and betting, the fashion is what most people look forward to. This year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, left plenty of room for interpretation—and naturally, some nailed it while others lost the map on the way and missed the mark. As much as fashion is subjective, Metro FM's Zola Mhlongo consistently misses the theme. The presenter wore a stunning burgundy strapless gown with a long, flowing train, decorated with cowrie beads and a matching headwrap, finished off with very much Nigerian accessories. As much as she looked gorgeous, she looked like a guest at a Nigerian wedding rather than someone honouring the Marvels of Mzansi. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Zola Ayabulela Mhlongo (@zolazeelovin) Mhlongo's colleague, Khutso Theledi, took it up a notch by thinking outside the box. Dressed by designer, Ratanang Moroasui, she paid tribute to football clubs Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates in one dress. View this post on Instagram A post shared by By Rati | Ratanang Moroasui (@designsbyrati) I remember how disappointed my colleague, Mbali Mbatha, was after interviewing Quin Ngomane, who designed Lamiez Holworthy's dress. The designer had kept everything a secret, saying the look was personal and a surprise. At least it was worth the wait. The media personality dazzled as she paid tribute to women like Winnie Mandela, Albertina Sisulu, Brenda Fassie, and Imelda Stoker—icons who all played a significant role in our freedom and democracy. The white silk mermaid-style dress was adorned with diamonds and images that flowed from her waist to the asymmetrical neckline. The DJ said each diamond was a tear that turned to power, adding that these were not just women, but 'thunder in human form.' View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lamiez Holworthy-Morule (@lamiez_holworthy) I am going to need the Real Housewives of Durban twins to stop exploring anything to do with fashion. While writing this, I scrolled through Ayanda Mthembu and Andile Pieterson's Instagram pages to see what it was they were marvelling at and found nothing. It's time for the two optometrists to see that fashion is not one of their strengths. They should consult real designers and stylists, because those sticks or reeds, or whatever that was, told me nothing about Mzansi. Beautiful hair, though. Another reality TV star, Happy 'Her Majesty' Simelane pulled through celebrating the Namaqua flower, in a luxe custom by Dressed By Vochand Goch. Then there's Somizi Mhlongo, who somehow manages to be the centre of attention every year. He designed all six of his outfits this time, celebrating himself, the Soweto Towers, his late mother, Kimberley diamonds, Sarafina, and Table Mountain. Could it have been better? Absolutely. But we appreciate the effort and the vision. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Somizi (@somizi) Lebo Molax, my love? Yoh! Why? Honestly, I have no words for Omuhle Gela. Hers was a 'huh?' moment. Seeing Eva Modika's dress was refreshing. My girl usually misses, but we appreciate the growth. Well done, Modika. I visited the Masango by Siphosihle fashion house on Monday [ahead of the event of Saturday] and it was a visual feast. The garments designed for Mihlali Ndamase, Phupho Gumede, Cyan Boujee, Doro Mongy, and Gogo Skhotheni were breath-taking. It was clear that Siphosihle Masango fully embraced the theme. He even dressed musician Masterpiece YVK. What impressed me most was how he sourced locations that matched the symbolism of each outfit. For Ndamase's IGOLIDE look, he went all out and found a mine shaft—paying homage to the hardworking men in South Africa's mining industry. Her dress featured a bold Ndebele print, which is Masango's signature. His use of this pattern celebrates his grandmother and honours the iconic Esther Mahlangu. Media personality Zanele Potelwa, who co-hosted the S3 live broadcast with Kat Sinivasan, rocked two standout looks. Styled by Mr Suave and dressed by Ortiz Seflo, her protea flower ensemble was inspired by South Africa's biodiversity, while her other outfit celebrated the country's powerful mineral wealth. Other personalities like Jessica Nkosi and Boity Thulo also celebrated the protea flower. Supplied Influencer Sphokuhle Ntshalintshali went completely against the grain, and honestly, she ate and left no crumbs. She gave the iconic 'khumbulekhaya bag' a couture facelift we didn't even know it needed. The bag alone is relatable and deeply embedded in our Mzansi story. Come to think of it, Ntshalintshali rarely misses, just like 'Ethekwini Mayor' Sithelo Shozi, who wore a layered dress with striking blue feathers in celebration of our national bird, the Blue Crane. A big yes to Sarah Langa, who turned heads in a golden silk Balmain set paying tribute to izikhothane—a South African youth subculture known for flamboyant fashion, flashy accessories, and showing off wealth as a form of street art. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah Langa (@sarahlanga) Overall, let's give our stars their flowers, they really pulled up their socks this year. The girlies showed up with bold make-up, statement hair, and genuine commitment to the theme. Let's wrap it up to respect the word count. Looking forward to being dazzled and disappointed—all over again next year around the same time.
Mail & Guardian
05-07-2025
- Politics
- Mail & Guardian
The Durban July: The good, the bad and the ugly of Africa's grandest gallop
Durban July has become more than just a horse race; it is a mirror of the nation's aspirations, divisions and contradictions. (Supplied) Each year on the first Saturday of July, South Africa's most anticipated sporting and social spectacle gallops into the spotlight — a cultural jamboree known simply as the Durban July. Over time, the event has become more than just a horse race; it is a mirror of the nation's aspirations, divisions and contradictions. At its best, the Durban July is a dazzling display of high fashion, high stakes and high society — a multiracial carnival of couture, culture and class. It injects more than R150 million into the local economy and boosts jobs in fashion, hospitality and entertainment. Rich history resides at this racetrack: from its past to democratic turf, the Greyville Racecourse, framed by the Warwick Triangle, Block AK and Berea, once stood as a symbol of colonial and apartheid exclusion. Born under the shadow of Royal Ascot in the 1920s, the racecourse became a bastion of racial segregation by the 1940s. The city's Indians — many of whom are passionate punters — can today revel in the fact that one of its own, business person Sadha Naidoo, is the chair of Gold Circle Horse Racing and Gambling; he's the chief steward who will present the main race prize to the winning owner and jockey. Yet beneath the glitz and glamour lies a more complex narrative: one of exclusion, excess and inequality. The juxtaposition is jarring — luxury marquees with people sipping champagne stand a few metres from working-class punters lining the fences. The People's Race, as it's sometimes called, still plays out on unequal terrain. The July is also where political theatre occasionally steals the show. In 2009, the infamous 'Zuma Whisky Incident' saw a glass of whisky flung at the then-president Jacob Zuma — a moment of silent protest and defiance at a highly choreographed elite gathering. It was a symbolic rupture, revealing how political tensions can spill into supposedly apolitical spaces. Concerns about safety, exploitation and unruly behaviour persist. From petty theft to gender-based harassment, the dark underbelly of the event often escapes the headlines. Traffic congestion paralyses Durban's inner-city, while residents complain of noise, gridlock, poor policing and the after-party blasts of music. For many locals, the event is more disruption than delight. Yet the heart of the July beats far from the parade ring. It begins at dawn in Summerveld, as the elite racehorses undergo their final gallops — sleek, muscled athletes rehearsing for glory in the misty paddocks of KwaZulu-Natal's misty hill country. Then begins their journey, meticulously choreographed, to Greyville Racecourse, where logistics meet legacy. Greyville comes alive as the equine stars are welcomed into their stables. In the parade ring, amid the swish of silks, jockeys and horses find a fleeting moment of communion. Then comes the grand gallop — a thunderous sprint of colour and courage, speed and spectacle. The July is also a kaleidoscope of identity: Zulu regalia, Indian couture, township streetwear and European luxury brands all jostle for attention. It's an unofficial runway for the rainbow nation — though some ask whose culture is truly being showcased, and who ultimately profits. Behind the scenes, deals are struck and alliances forged. Boardroom barons and powerbrokers rub shoulders in VIP lounges, while influencers race to out-dress each other in branded content disguised as lifestyle. Once mainly about horses, the race has been overtaken by a battlefield of brands. There is also a spectre of race, power and representation: despite its rainbow nation feel, questions persist about ownership and access. Who controls the horse racing industry? Whose culture is being showcased? Who profits? Hollywoodbets is the third most prominent sponsor on the heels of longstanding underwriters Rothmans, until then health minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma snuffed it out of the sport of kings with the ban on tobacco, and followed by cellular phone giant Vodacom, until the silent grandstands of Covid-19 lockdown scratched it out. Hollywoodbets, a sportsbook and betting operator became the title sponsor of the Durban July in 2020. Its purple branding now dominates the racecourse and the broader July experience. Founded in Durban and rooted in the local racing industry, Hollywoodbets has grown from a modest operation into an international gaming giant with interests in sports betting, horse racing, online casino gaming and community development. 'This year's Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than just a race,' said spokesperson Zandile Dlamini. 'It's a full cultural experience. We're thrilled to offer a lineup that celebrates South African music, lifestyle and diversity. Our goal is to create unforgettable moments for all who attend.' Raceday is a showpiece of alcohol, excess, extravagance and exploitation — often enabled by the blurred lines of luxury and liberty. Still, the July remains a symbolic stage for the city and the country. Its contradictions mirror our own: dazzling yet divided, aspirational yet uneven. If managed with vision and fairness, it could be a true platform for transformation — not only for racing but for South African society. Much of the event's sustainability now rests on leadership. Naidoo is widely respected for his strategic vision and transformation efforts. Under his stewardship, Gold Circle has navigated post-Covid problems and adapted to an evolving entertainment and betting landscape. As millions of rands will be splurged, the biggest buzz surrounds the main race, which features 18 runners, with two reserve horses on standby in case of any late scratching. This Grade 1 contest will be run over 2 200 metres. The favourite is Eight On Eighteen, currently leading the betting market at 14/10 odds. Drawn at gate 11, the colt will be ridden by champion jockey Richard Fourie and is trained by Justin Snaith. As Durban catches its breath after another unforgettable edition on Saturday, 5 July, one thing is clear: the Durban July remains a metaphor for South Africa. What we choose to see — glamour or grit, triumph or tension — depends on how close we're willing to look. Here's a personal tip: don't lose your shirt, don't drink and drive, and catch an Uber home safely. Marlan Padayachee is a former political, foreign and diplomatic correspondent in the transition from apartheid to democracy and is now a freelance journalist, photographer and researcher.
The Herald
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Herald
Award-winning jazz virtuoso Mandisi Dyantyis to headline Saso's Brunch Marquee at Durban July
Renowned award-winning jazz artist and trumpeter Mandisi Dyantyis is set to headline Saso's Brunch Marquee at the Hollywoodbets Durban July on Saturday July 5 at Greyville Racecourse. In a grand reprise, the marquee will also feature performances by equally captivating artists including Zee Nxumalo, Scott Maphuma, Oscar Mbo, DJ Merlon and others soon to be announced. Known for songs such as NguMama , Ndimthanda , Cwaka , and Molo Sisi , Mandisi has earned widespread respect for his ability to fuse jazz, Afro-soul, and traditional isiXhosa music into a distinct and moving sound. 'We always love playing in Durban, and we're truly looking forward to connecting with you all on July 5,' said Mandisi . The diverse line-up will feature acts that resonate strongly with younger audiences who have evolved musical tastes, ensuring that everyone feels included. As an artist turned entrepreneur Saso, real name Lusaso Ngcobo, recognises that with an expanded capacity of 800 guests this year, it is crucial to have hit makers, culture influencers and trending social media artists who can bring dynamic and memorable performances to the stage. 'Every year, we strive to offer something fresh and exciting for everyone to enjoy, and nothing unites us better than music. It was essential for us to include some of the artists dominating the scene, particularly to engage a younger, more music-savvy audience who often connect songs with viral dance challenges,' said Saso. Set against the backdrop of one of Africa's biggest horse racing events, Saso's Brunch Marquee returns this year in a larger, more prominent location while aiming to maintain the exclusive atmosphere that has defined it. The theme for 2025, 'Cradle of Marvels', pays tribute to Africa's ancestral heritage, combining cultural elements with modern luxury. Attendees can expect curated design, fashion, food and entertainment that reflect this vision. One key area of focus this year is youth employment. The internal organisers have expanded their team, prioritising hiring young people from within the Durban Metro, particularly in production and bar service roles. This effort aims to address high youth unemployment rates in the area by providing meaningful work and skills development opportunities, Saso said. 'In isiZulu, we say 'umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu' (I am because you are). As a young person myself, I understand how difficult it is to find work opportunities in a field you're passionate about. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the sponsors who invested in me. I believe it's important to extend opportunities to others, just as others once did for you,' he added.
