Latest news with #HollywoodFoundation
The Citizen
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Mzansi Magic: Ordinary Punters Outshine Celebs at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July
The Durban July wasn't just about celebs or fashion statements; it was about the people of South Africa. Thando Thabethe, Rory Petzer and Lamiez Holworthy-Morule at the Durban July. Pictures: Instagram Hollywoodbets Durban July at Greyville Racecourse turned into a full-blown celebration of South African identity, not just through the horses and the high-profile guests, but most impressively, through fashion. While A-listers arrived in style, it was the everyday punters who truly stole the show. This year's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, gave everyone, from seasoned stylists to self-taught fashionistas, a chance to interpret what makes South Africa spectacular. Fiery red: DJ Zinhle at the Durban July. Picture: djzinhle/Instagram The result? A visual feast of bold prints, vibrant colours, cultural textures, and imaginative headpieces that transformed the racecourse into a living gallery of African pride. ALSO READ: Somizi arrives in a chopper, stealing the show with 8 outfit changes at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fans capture the nation's spirit While celebrities like Kwesta and wife Yolanda, DJ Lamiez, Jojo Robinson, Thando Thabethe, and crowd-favourite Mahoo brought glitz and glam, it was the creatively dressed fans in the stands who captured the nation's spirit. Eye on you: Nirvana Nokwe at Durban July. Picture: nirvananokwe/Instagram. One standout attendee paired a modern Xhosa-inspired dress with recycled bottle caps from local soft drink brands, cleverly sewn into a corset-style bodice. Another wore a shweshwe suit adorned with feathers and beaded armbands, merging tradition with a touch of flamboyance. Stylistic baller: Teko Modise at Durban July. Picture: therealtekomodise/Instagram ALSO READ: Gold and Glamour: Masango by Siphosihle dazzles at the Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Takes Centre Stage The fashion competition on the main stage formed part of the Fashion Experience, an initiative powered by eThekwini in collaboration with the Hollywood Foundation. Twenty-five young designers from across South Africa debuted collections that reflected the soul and style of the nation, ranging from township couture to modern tribal chic. Hour Glass: Mawhoo at the Durban July: Picture: mawhoo_/Instagram Some designers incorporated quirky elements, such as sewn-on glass bottles, plastic toy cows, and even vuvuzela accessories. 'This is about giving new designers a platform to shine and tell our stories,' said one of the event organisers. 'It's more than fashion—it's culture, it's commentary, it's celebration.' ALSO READ: Sunshine, good racing cheer Durban July crowd United in Spirit—On and Off the Track As the day unfolded, laughter, dance, and admiration filled the air, not just for the horses but for the people. One with nature: Jojo Robinson of the Real Housewives of Durban at the Durban July. Picture: A particularly iconic moment came when a group of fans arrived in full Springbok regalia, just in time to cheer on the Boks as they faced Italy. 'The Springboks are a Marvel of Mzansi too,' said one attendee proudly waving a flag. In the end, the 2025 Durban July wasn't just about celebrities or fashion statements—it was about the people, the pride, and the power of everyday South Africans reminding the world why Mzansi always shows up in style. Wearing Mom: Somizi Mhlongo in one of his eight outfits at the Durban July. Picture: Somizi/Instagram NOW READ: The Real Prince, the real deal: Hot favourite narrowly beaten in Durban July
IOL News
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
Hollywoodbets Durban July leads the way in KZN tourism surge
Models show off designs that were created in line with the Hollywoodbets Durban July's theme Marvels of Mzansi at the media launch for the horseracing event at Westown, Shongweni yesterday. Image: eThekwini Municipality KwaZulu-Natal is experiencing a significant tourism surge this winter, with the Hollywoodbets Durban July leading a packed calendar of cultural, sporting, and film-related events. These events are expected to attract tens of thousands of visitors and inject millions into the local economy. EThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba yesterday announced the City's state of readiness to host Africa's premier horse racing and fashion event, set to take place at Greyville Racecourse on Saturday. 'We anticipate R278 million in direct spend and close to R700 million contribution to the GDP. This will create over 4,000 jobs,' said Xaba of the event's economic impact. eThekwini mayor Cyril Xaba speaks to the media at the launch event for the Hollywoodbets Durban July a Westown, Shongweni yesterday. Image: eThekwini Municipality 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 Hotel occupancy is expected to reach 80%, with over 50,000 local and international visitors expected to descend on Durban for the event. 'The Hollywoodbets Durban July is more than a race – it is a catalyst for social cohesion as it unites South Africans through the passion of sport, the expression of cultural pride, and the glamour of fashion,' Xaba said. To ensure safety, Xaba confirmed that 'our law enforcement agencies have developed an integrated safety plan, supported by the private security industry. Visitors are guaranteed a safe stay in the city with high police visibility, particularly around the Greyville precinct and other strategic sites across the municipality.' The event's theme, Marvels of Mzansi, celebrates South Africa's cultural heritage and diversity. The Durban July Fashion Experience, hosted in collaboration with the Hollywood Foundation, will feature 25 designers. The programme is divided into three categories: the Young Designers Awards with 10 student finalists; the Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars with nine emerging designers who will share R250,000 for business development; and the Invited Designer Showcase with six established designers, four of whom are graduates of the city's Fashion Development Programme. 'Through this event, these designers will get exposure to thousands of attendees and potential buyers,' said Xaba. The Durban July will also be supported by city-wide activations and spin-off events including music events such as Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, Anywhere in the City, and Mojo's July Weekend to spread festivities across the townships and suburbs. KZN's broader winter tourism season has also gained momentum. According to the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA), the province is expecting a 12–15% increase in domestic arrivals this July compared to 2024, translating to around R500 million in tourism-related contributions. 'July will deliver a substantial surge in domestic travel, thanks to the alignment of the school holidays, hallmark events and our temperate winter climate,' said KZNTAFA Interim CEO Sibusiso Gumbi. Gumbi added that the Hollywoodbets Durban July alone is expected to bring in significant tourism spend. At KZNTAFA's hospitality marquee at Greyville, guests will enjoy an exclusive fashion installation curated by top KZN designers in collaboration with cultural curators, ahead of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards on 19 July.
IOL News
6 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
What the Fudge shines at the Bambelela Business Awards 2025
Rocklands residents Ashley and Laura Spannenberg from What the Fudge at the recent Western Cape Bambelela Business Awards 2025. Image: Supplied Mitchells Plain business, What the Fudge, was among the top 20 businesses recognised at the Western Cape Bambelela Business Awards 2025 held at Hollywoodbets Kenilworth Racecourse. The awards, held over two days on June 19 and 20, are hosted annually by the Hollywood Foundation to honour local entrepreneurs' contributions to job creation, economic growth, and transforming communities in the province. This year's awards programme included an exhibition and seminar where qualifying small, medium and micro enterprises (SMMEs) showcased their businesses and pitched for funding. Laura Spannenberg, founder of What the Fudge, said the exhibition and seminar presented an opportunity to take her business to the next level. 'We had a riveting masterclass on how to pitch by serial entrepreneur and business specialist Dr Thabo Pitse. We hung onto his every word as he shared strategies to secure funding. 'The day of pitching was slightly different. You could feel the tension in the room as all the participants nervously sat in a huge auditorium at the Cape Town Civic Centre waiting for our turn to pitch. 'I listened to everyone, and all I can say is, Cape Town is filled with talent,' she said. 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 ✕ A panel of judges, comprising industry specialists, evaluated each participant and selected the winning businesses that demonstrated exceptional merit, creativity and community impact. The top 20 winners each won a share of R1 million in funding. As one of 17 runners-up at this year's awards, What the Fudge won R40 000 for equipment. The theme of the annual awards initiative is 'Bambelela (hold on) – your dreams are valid'. Spannenberg said being among the top 20 winners validates her aspirations as an entrepreneur. 'We are very grateful to the Hollywood Foundation for affording us this huge opportunity,' she said.
The Citizen
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Citizen
Student fashion creatives geared up for Hollywoodbets Durban July as they battle for Young Designer Award
Hollywoodbets Durban July provides a platform for student fashion creatives to showcase creations for the Young Designer Award. Mzansi's top student fashion creatives dazzled audiences on Saturday as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair, announced its top 10 finalists. The selection followed an impressive showcase by 25 semifinalists from accredited fashion institutions across KwaZulu-Natal. Each contestant presented original designs that interpreted the 2025 theme, 'Marvels of Mzansi' — a celebration of South African identity through its landscapes, cuisine, entertainment, and traditional ceremonies. Judging took place at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse during the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge, offering a fitting lead-up to Africa's Premier Horse Racing and Fashion Event on 5 July, when the final top three designers and eventual winner will be revealed. Before the big day, the 10 finalists will present their collections at a glamorous gala evening on 27 June at the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. They will be joined by participants of the Invited Designer Showcase presented by Dove, and the DFF Rising Stars Collection, forming part of the wider Hollywoodbets Durban July Fashion Experience. Judges Vuyisile Ngobese (Hollywood Foundation) and designer Sandile 'Duke' Mngadi applauded the high calibre of work and innovation shown by the students. Guest judge Phupho Gumede K, a renowned pan-African stylist, commended the platform for nurturing future fashion leaders and influencing cultural trends. Students who didn't make the top 10 are encouraged to participate in the Raceday Fashion Competitions on 5 July, which include categories like Most Striking Couple and Classic Racewear. Finalists: Sinekamva Xali, Mpilo Sithole, Nothile Mkhungo, Andile Cele, Neliswa Gcwabaza, Manqoba Mnguni, Buhle Sicwebue, Irene Price, Queenton Mjweni, and Khethokuhle Thango. Tickets for the event are available from Ticketpro and Payzone Kiosks at SPAR stores nationwide. NOW READ: Hollywoodbets Durban July 2025 unveils stellar South African music line-up
