Several environmental projects form part of this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, a major horse racing event. These are waste management programs, biodiversity conservation efforts and a focus on sustainable development.
Themed ‘Marvels of Mzansi’, the prestigious horseracing event and fashion extravaganza, is expected to attract approximately 50 000 visitors to Durban with a hotel occupancy of 80 percent.
This year’s theme, encourages the celebration of cultural heritage, diversity, and landscapes.
The main event is on the 5 July, at the Greyville Racecourse.
Speaking at the City’s media launch, at Westown Square, on the 2 July, Cyril Xaba announced safety measures in place to ensure the event and related activities occur seamlessly.
He said the projections for the economic impact on eThekwini, from the Durban July weekend are far reaching.
“The direct spend is estimated at R278 million, with a total of R700 million contribution to the eThekwini GDP and a total number of 4 000 jobs to be created.”
Besides horse racing, the Hollywoodbets Durban July provides a platform for 25 designers to showcase their ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ collections on the main stage, as part of the Durban July Fashion Experience.
The fashion programme has the following three categories:
-The Young Designers Awards featuring 10 student finalists, competing for top honours. The top three winners will receive bursaries and a fashion travel package.
-The Durban Fashion Fair Rising Stars category presents nine emerging designers, supported by eThekwini Municipality’s Fashion Development Programme. Winners will share a R250 000 cheque for business development.
-The Invited Designer Showcase includes six established designers, four of whom are graduates of the same Fashion Development Programme and are now successful industry names.
Picture: Khosi Nkosi, one of a very few sustainable designers showcasing at the event.