The Sunday Mail
Prince Mushawevato recently in DURBAN, South Africa
THE gradual upward trajectory of arrivals for the annual Durban July is a clear indication that arts and sport can play a pivotal role in boosting tourism. Thousands of punters and party-seekers braved the chilly July weather to enjoy the 120th instalment of the Durban July horseracing event that gave the Conglomerate trainer Joey Ramsden his first Vodacom Durban July win at Greyville Racecourse.
Just like our local annual Castle Tankard horserace the Durban July event has been on a steady expansion.
But the South African event has managed to register tremendous growth due to the local authority’s conscious decision to go all out in supporting the affair financially.
More than a horserace, the annual Durban July is one of the highly-anticipated events on the entertainment calendar.
The event attracts important and influential people from all over South Africa and beyond, which makes it a complete event that includes arts, entertainment, tourism, fashion and sport. Some of the celebrities that graced this year’s event include Bonang Matheba, Lerato Kganyango, Tumi Voster, Noluthando Nqayi and Khanyi Mbau.
Speaking to The Sunday Mail Leisure, eThekwini deputy mayor Cllr Nomvuzo Shabalala said the arts are a crucial component in destination marketing.
“We have a strategy to market our city all over the world. We believe in the past few years our city has become more popular in the world hence we have come up with strategies to market the city to reach to as many people and attract them to come to our city,” she said.
Mzansi’s biggest horseracing extravaganza attracted more than 50 000 people from within and outside South Africa.
“July is one of the events but not the only one; there are many other events. We are very big in fashion and have created an exchange programme with Milan and New Orleans (Italy and America respectively) and we will in November be hosting the inaugural Essence Festival in Durban . . . the essence itself is very big because of the music that is involved in the entire event and partnering them with our local musicians will help improve our economic spin-offs in tourism.”
Rural Development, Preservation and Promotion of Culture and Heritage Minister Abedinico Ncube is in agreement with Cllr Shabalala sentiments.
He highlighted during the culture week celebrations that well-packaged cultural products have potential to improve the economy.
“…people appreciate the diversity of culture. I am happy that even our schools have embraced culture in their activities. This is one field that has potential to unite people and attract visitors hence cultural activities should be promoted,” he said.
The day of the races was a major success despite the grumpy weather that is very unlike Durban. Interestingly though, celebrities seemed not to care about the chilly weather, showing lots of skin. Models that cat-walked on the Durban Tourism Stage, which was set-up exclusively for the guests of the Durban Municipality helped revellers shake-off the nippy weather through their exquisite designs.
And soon after the fashion show and horseraces, more fun was still to come.
Top American singer Chris Brown gave a first-rate performance.
The “Back to Sleep” hit-maker pulled a stunning performance at the Mabala Noise’s Mother of All Parties at the packed King’s Park Stadium on July 2.
Certainly trying to please fans following a full day of betting, drinking and dining was always going to be difficult for the American star but he somehow managed to do so.
Chris Brown was supported by international artistes in the mould of female rapper Eve and Tinashe Kachingwe whose ancestry can also be traced to Zimbabwe. Casper Nyovest, Emtee and Riky Rick represented Mzansi.
Moreover there where tours that highlighted the history and significance of key places in Durban like uShaka Marine World, Inanda Township and Ohlange High School (where the late ANC founding father John Langalibalele Dube’s statue and grave together with that of his close family relatives are housed). Horse riding by the beach is also part of it.
The tours help foster visitor’s interest in the destination.
Meanwhile, Durban July was not all about spending. A lucky few walked away with lots of money. The biggest winner though was a telephone betting customer in the Western Cape, who won nearly 1,5 million Rands after placing 3 120 rands on a Pick 6 permutation, according to bookmaker TAB.
And a gambler in Stanger collected 902 615 Rands for a Pick 6 bet of just 500 Rands. The majestic Durban July horse race competition runs under the Durban FAM Season Campaign. The campaign offers packages, specials, events and information on all the city has to offer.
Said a senior Durban Tourism official Melusi Khumalo: “The destination is growing with each passing moment and this is through a number of tailor-made initiatives.
Durban is the warmest place to be and we encourage everyone from all over the world to come and experience our warmth.”
