Durban July Set to Draw 50,000 Fans Tomorrow

Heading into Saturday’s 129th edition of the Durban July at Greyville Racecourse, organisers are anticipating a crowd of approximately 50 000 racegoers and fashion enthusiasts.

EThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba highlighted the event’s immense economic potential during this week’s media launch. The race, themed “Marvels of Mzansi”, is expected to generate around R278 million in direct spending, channelling an estimated R700 million into the city’s GDP, and creating over 4 000 jobs in the lead-up to the weekend.

With Greyville Racecourse boasting a capacity of 55 000, this year’s turnout promises to bring the venue to near-full occupancy. Local hotels are projected to reach about 80% occupancy, driven by both domestic and international visitors.

In addition to the main race, Durban will host a plethora of side events across the city. These include:

• Fashion showcases, such as the Durban July Fashion Experience featuring 25 designers across young, rising, and invited categories.
• Cultural and musical activations, including Fact Durban Rocks, Any Given Sunday, and Mojo’s July Weekend, aimed at engaging townships and suburbs beyond Greyville.
• A curated KZN tourism marquee installation blending fashion, film, and cultural storytelling ahead of the Simon Mabhunu Sabela Awards on 19 July.

To accommodate the influx, the city has rolled out an integrated safety and security plan. This includes visible deployment of SAPS, Metro Police, and private security personnel around Greyville and strategic zones across Durban.

Mayor Xaba described the Durban July as “more than a race – a catalyst for social cohesion,” celebrating South Africa’s cultural diversity and heritage through sport and fashion.

This boost is part of a broader KZN tourism upswing, with domestic arrivals expected to increase by 12–15% this July. The province projects that tourism events—including the Durban July—will inject approximately R500 million into the regional economy.