While the Hollywoodbets Durban July may be about horseracing, it plays an important role in showcasing the next generation of fashion designers.
Thousands of racegoers, fashionistas, and culture lovers descended on Greyville Racecourse on Saturday for the 2025 edition of the Hollywoodbets Durban July which had the theme Marvels of Mzansi.
The Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Awards ended in scenes of elation and emotion as top honours went to Andile Cele, a student from uMgungundlovu TVET College.
“This is amazing. I am flabbergasted. I am excited beyond anything,” said Cele, whose design paid homage to the Ndebele culture and was inspired by iconic artist Dr Esther Mahlangu.
Her lecturers, Bongumusa Bhengu and Martin John Steenkamp, were full of praise: “From the get-go, she showed commitment and talent, always giving of her best. She is always the first one in and the last one to leave. We are so excited for her and know she will go far.”
Cele walked away with a travel package to SA Fashion Week, a R70 000 bursary from the Hollywood Foundation, R10 000 in cash from Race Coast and Schweppes, and a R5 000 Gateway gift card.
Second place went to Mangoba Mnguni from IGODA Incubator College, participating for the first time.
“I am so proud of my students and what they have done,” said college owner Zola Shabangu.
Mnguni’s Basotho-inspired design reflected personal struggles, etched into the fabric with life lines. He earned a R50 000 bursary, R3 000 in cash, and a R2 000 gift card.
Mpilo Sithole from Durban University of Technology came third, collecting a R30 000 bursary, R2 000 in cash, and a R1 000 gift card.
Each of the 10 finalists received R2 000 in cash, courtesy of Race Coast and Schweppes.
On the race track, there was an exhilarating finish to the main race, as The Real Prince edged out favourite Eight On Eighteen in a nail-biting duel to the line in the Grade 1 R5 million showdown.
Ridden by Craig Zackey and trained by Dean Kannemeyer, The Real Prince silenced doubters who questioned whether he could handle the 2200m distance. “Where were we going to place him? The first time we tried him over a mile he won by six lengths,” said Kannemeyer. “You have to come in at the right time with the right weight, and we got the right draw.”
The win marked Kannemeyer’s fourth Durban July victory and his second for owners Lady Christine Laidlaw and Khaya Stables. “It was a plan come together,” he said.
THE MERCURY
