Horseracing fans and social butterflies alike are eagerly awaiting the return of the Dundee July to northern KwaZulu-Natal. The popular racing event is set to take place on the 20th July at the Dundee racetrack, and the hype surrounding it is by no means restricted to equestrian circles alone. In the eight years since its inception, the event has earned a reputation as a fashion mecca, and as a result is hugely anticipated by style devotees across the province.
In recent years, the Dundee July has become a byword for glitz and glamour, and provides a stage for top local designers to showcase their wares. There will be several fashion shows hosted throughout the day, intended to simultaneously show off and encourage local talent whilst boosting the blooming KwaZulu-Natal fashion sector.
The fashion aspect of the 2013 Dundee July will be sponsored for the first time by the KwaZulu-Natal Fashion Council, who will be sending representatives to assist up-and-coming new designers. Their influence on the KZN fashion scene is considerable: “Prizes for the best designers at the event’s fashion shows will be sponsored by the KZN Fashion Council (KZNFC).
They have already hosted three day pre-race day mentorship programme for participating local designers. A team from the KZNFC trained designers on such topics such as accessorising one’s collection, and will be running a model boot camp. The Council will also provide three judges for the big day, ensuring that the competitions are fairly and expertly overseen. Prizes for the best designers at the event’s fashion shows will be sponsored by the KZNFC, with a top prize of a mentorship programme valued at R30 000 for the overall winner.
The Dundee July is the brainchild of the KZN Department of Sport and Recreation, with Umzinyathi District Municipality and Endumeni Municipality as its key partners. Betting agency Gold Circle is among the event’s primary sponsors, a list which Vodacom have joined for the 2013 Dundee July. The cell phone company will contribute to the event in terms of donating winning stakes money, and providing full use of their gig rig.
The rig will ensure that the racetrack vibe is more exciting than ever, keeping visitors entertained all day long. Vodacom will also have representatives present on the day to talk about and sell airtime and tariff plans. Vodacom’s decision to support the Dundee July is a result of the company’s desire to act as a support structure to local municipalities, enabling them to build strong, economically viable communities.
Further inquiries may be directed to:
Sandile Qwabe
Cell: 078 169 4063
E-mail: sandile.qwabe@kzndsr.gov.za
Mike Mthembu
Cell: 083 528 7911
E-mail: hlengiwe.dube@kzndsr.gov.za
