Once a year, South Africa’s playground hosts an all-encompassing party that envelops Durban in an aura of luxury.
The Durban July sees to it that Durban erupts, we are talking pre-parties at clubs, bars, and stadiums with after-parties at all these same venues all in the name of this, the city’s marquee event.
Hollywoodbets has been the primary host and sponsor of this highly anticipated horse racing event and accompanying soirees.
Hollywoodbets is entering its third year as the title sponsor of the Hollywoodbets Durban July. It’s a special event to have the naming rights to, seeing there have only been two previous sponsors in the last 50 years, in Rothmans and Vodacom.
A sport of kings
Zandile Dlamini is the Legal and Compliance Manager at Hollywoodbets and she appears to be amped to deliver this calendar event to all those who have the sense to venture to the July.
“Hollywoodbets has reminded us that the Hollywoodbets Durban July is not just for the entertainment part of things, but it has also revived the spirit of the actual race, and this is what makes our involvement in the Hollywoodbets Durban July more exciting.
“Having a betting entity that has the title sponsor makes so much sense in many ways and this is what will always keep horse racing betting alive and relevant. As a proudly South African business, we believe in giving back to the community, Hollywoodbets Durban July is a public event, and it prides us that South Africans can experience all of this through this premium horse racing event.”
Zandile says the Hollywoodbets Durban July’s contribution towards the horseracing industry is incredible not only for her company but for those who work in the sector.
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“This is the third year as the title sponsor, and we are bringing more towards the event through innovative ways. We are constantly looking at global trends and we want to match those to the best of our ability. Lastly, the event contributes towards the local economy as we drive attendance for people to come from other regions to enjoy the beautiful city of Durban.”
Zandile has been involved in the legal side of things which is her first love, but she previously did voice-over work for the Hollywood Bets virtual influencer, Yezi Starr!
“I would have never guessed that I could use my voice for anything other than being a legal eagle,” the 35-year-old says, with a laugh.
“On top of that, at last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, I represented Hollywoodbets for race number seven, where I got to share the stage with a prestigious group of delegates while handing over awards to the winning horse and its owner. So, yes, my role can change from a legal one to a total lifestyle one which is pretty awesome.”
This native of KZN who has been at Hollywoodbets since 2020 reiterates that the most important aspect of their sponsorship is to focus on the horse racing, which is so integral to the event.
“We wanted to make sure that our equine athletes and all the stakeholders in horse racing are given the credit and stage to shine. We did this through increasing the stakes across the races on the day, upping the main Hollywoodbets Durban July race to a record R5 million, and providing world-class race coverage in the weeks building up to the big day.”
The Hollywoodbets Durban July is the biggest social event on the SA calendar, with people across South Africa descending on Durban. From the moment people enter through the gates, they are transported to a world where they feel they are on another planet.
“Fashion is the third pillar of the event, starting three months before race day, encompassing the South African fashion scene. Fashion students, young designers, and established fashion houses. This includes emphasis on the theme reveal for the event. The Young Designer Awards.”
Riding a wave
A greater emphasis has been placed on the unveiling of the theme, which plays such an integral part of the HDJ.
“This year we did a stunt where we had a graffiti artist That Damn Vandal, vandalize our billboard on Sandton Drive in Gauteng. Little did people know that he was actually revealing the theme of the 2024 Hollywoodbets Durban July to the world. The social media coverage and publicity this created for the event was outstanding, and really gave the event the lift-off it needed for this year.”
The theme this year is ‘Ride The Wave.’
“The ebbs and flows the movement of waves create, showcases the emotions and uncertainty that happens in a sport like horse racing. Waves can be a force that takes one forward with momentum and puts them on a course for destined success. But a wave can also crash down, make an impact, and change the course of history.”
Zandile explains how one decides to interpret the event will be exciting to see.
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“Apart from the waves we experience in the ocean, there are sound waves, seismic waves, cultural waves, shock waves and more. Durban is famous for its beaches and warm weather, so one’s interpretation can be crafted to relate with the city’s amazing features and climate.”
Hollywoodbets also wanted to make sure that the performers on the day, especially for the singing of the National Anthem before the main race, represent the spirit of South Africa and its unique talent.
“In 2022 we had the Grammy Award-winning Ladysmith Black Mambazo, and in 2023 it was the trailblazing Ndlovu Youth Choir,” she brags.
Marquees-a game of zones
Anyone who has experienced this spectacle before knows that this event is a game of zones. Which area you’re in and what amenities this might boast.
“In the past, all emphasis was put on feature areas for guests in VIP areas and private tents. We have made sure that every person who enters the course, has the opportunity to experience amazing features around the racecourse.
“Whether this is amazing photo features around the course or experiencing front-row entertainment on the stages. A big thing we, as a sponsor wanted to establish, is that whether you hold a general admission ticket or a Marquee VIP pass, you leave with pictures and an experience that you can share with your friends and followers.”
Plans for this year’s July started in earnest in August of last year and things are prancing along well.
“From an event experience perspective, we are enlarging the public areas in tent town, where more activations and entertainment will take place. Stages will be strategically set up so that people can enjoy all the entertainment and fashion aspects no matter where they are on the course.”
Given the size of this event, gaining access to the Greyville Racecourse has become paramount. Zandile says her team has been working with the City to make sure that access to the racecourse on the day becomes more efficient and safe.
“I can assure you we will not be leaving anything up to chance, and you can expect the biggest Hollywoodbets Durban July ever.”
The guest list is extensive and is yet to be finalised but so far, the likes of Jessica Nkosi, Pamela Mtanga, Naliyani Uma, Phupho Gumede, Snikiwe Mhlongo and Kwenzo Ngcobo have all confirmed their attendance.
Turning up around town
Durban comes alive during the Hollywoodbets Durban July week. Whether you are experiencing the fashion shows at Gateway, or the township events at Max’s Lifestyles in Umlazi. There are pre-parties, after-parties, and everything in between.
“This year we are still supporting Young Designers through the Hollywood Foundation where they have been given the platform to interpret the theme through designing garments that will be showcased at these fashion shows. People can look forward to mind-blowing entertainment, different marquees who will offer those who attend with a mind-blowing experience."
The Hollywoodbets Durban July has been a significant event for the city of Durban for 128 years. Zandile explains that in that time, it has continued through World Wars, pandemics, and the birth of the new South Africa. The July has an enormous economic impact directly on the city as well as the tourism industry. In a recent report done on the 2023 HDJ by auditing firm BDO, R613 million was contributed to the Municipality’s GDP in direct and indirect spending, and 1 177 jobs were created.
“As we continue to climb out of the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic period, we believe those numbers will rise even further this year.”
It's quite clear, this will be one of those gatherings that could easily define the year when it comes to socialising.
“If you need a reason to visit Durban, the Hollywoodbets Durban July is it.”
