Jorburgers and horse lovers invaded Durban this past Saturday for Africa’s biggest racing event. The Vodacom Durban July has been around since 1897 and it seems every year it gets bigger and better. Not only do people go there to watch the horses run around the 2200 meter track but they’re also there for the fashion, socialising (the cause of many excessive hangovers. Even though, come to think of it, a hangover in Durbs is not thhhaaat bad. Anyway, back to the event) . This was my first time at the July, it it was for work. Thanks Miller. We left a very cold Joburg at 7:30am in 3 buses, packed with snacks entertainment and lots of booze. There was music in the buses, comedian Trevor Gumbi, mentalist Larry Sofer and George the beat boxer formed part of the surprise line-up introduced in the buses.
O Access presenter Dineo Moeketsi in a Gert Johan Coetzee design with Thapelo Mokoena
After a 14hour trip and lots of stops, we arrived in Durbs with most of us either drunk or exhausted. Gateway Mall was a very interesting place to be on the morning of the races with a lot of people doing some last minute shopping to suit the Royal theme of the event. Spotted Generations star Jafta Mamabolo with plastic bags from Stuttafords, YDE, Woollies etc. I personally think the young man should get a thank you note from the mayor of Durban for boosting their economy. Styled by Ephraim from Ephymol, I didn’t have to worry about shopping except for the addition of a man bag aka satchel…Don’t judge me!
Rocking her own label DFC, Uyanda Mbuli was smart enough to wear flat shoes
An estimated crowd of about 55 000 people had descended at the Greyville racecourse. I won’t comment on whether they stuck to the theme or not, I would rather let the pictures do the talking. The youngest of the Bala brothers seems to be everywhere these days, I thought he looked like Elton John in his 20’s and those that saw him around 6pm at the Life Style Oasis marquee can testify. Speaking of marquees , in my opinion, the MTV Base was the best out of the lot. Not only was it good looking inside, it was exclusive and had entertainment from the likes of Khuli Chana, AKA and DJ Switch. The Miller marquee had teamed up with 5FM and saw Zakes Bantwini perform and DJ Milkshake rocking the stage.
Rapper Khuli Chana
The Lifestyle Oasis VIP marquee looked clean and proper, although I felt that it lacked intimacy. They had a mini fashion show from Carducci and Liquideep rocked the stage for the plebs outside. Knowing my limitations as a human being and the fact that my feet can only carry me for a limited number of hours, I left the race course at around 9pm and went back to the hotel. Had I not been working, I would have experienced the full pleasures of the Durban July but it was an awesome experience nonetheless. People showed love, cab drivers got rich and some got lucky while others were “nuns”. If you are still wondering which horse won the main race, Igugu did. A big thanks to Miller for the hospitality.
Phelo B, dressed by Styling Concepts
Shooting their new reality show Hlelo and Ntando Masina
DJ Dimplez in a Scottish kilt
Noni Gasa
Siyabonga Ngwekazi in a GLS 3 piece suit
Rapper AKA also on the GLS swag
by: Just Denis
