Durban - More than 600 eThekwini metro police officers have been deployed to ensure that revellers coming to Saturday’s Vodacom Durban July celebrate within the law.
The annual horse racing event attracts more than 50 000 people and, amid swanky hospitality events, parties, and after-parties, generates about R250 million for the province.
Last year more than 27 000 vehicles passed through the national toll plazas heading towards the city during the Durban July weekend and about the same are expected again this year.
The KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Transport, Community Safety and Liaison, Willies Mchunu, has called on all revellers who will be going to the numerous events planned this weekend to show extra caution.
Metro police spokesman Eugene Msomi said the increased number of officers who would be monitoring Greyville and surrounding areas on Saturday would cater for larger crowds.
“Last year we had just over 500 officers, but we’ve added 100 more this year because we are anticipating the number of people and cars to increase,” he said.
Msomi said ensuring that residents were not disturbed by the festivities was top of their priorities and they would tow away cars parked in people’s driveways.
“We understand that people come here to enjoy themselves, but high noise levels, parking on people’s driveways and driving while intoxicated will not be tolerated. If you don’t have pre-arranged parking inside the racecourse, then park elsewhere and use a taxi to get to the venue.”
Park and ride will be available at the old Durban drive-in site near the Suncoast Casino. Buses to Greyville racecourse will be available between 8am and 12pm.
DLI Avenue and Avondale Road, between DLI Avenue and Hayden Road, will be closed for the duration of the race day.
The Berea SAPS will set up a mobile station behind the grandstand near the Avondale Road entrance.
Event organisers have booked some of the country’s most celebrated acts to perform at their parties and a few international stars have been flown in to entertain the crowds.
The festivities start on Friday with The Ultimate Durban July Pool Party at uShaka Marine World at 9am. Beatenberg and KwaMashu rapper Duncan will be among some of the musicians performing.
In the evening, the party moves to Eyadini Lounge in Umlazi, where the likes of Donald, Zakwe and AB Crazy will take to the stage.
Eyadini owner Jabulani Zama said he had spent more than R600 000 preparing for the weekend, as he had had to erect a special dome marquee and hire furniture worth R90 000 for his VVIPs.
“We are expecting over 2 500 people and we need to live up to our reputation of partying in style. I’m talking delicious food, good music and expensive champagne, at about R8 000 a bottle,” he said.
There is no official Vodacom Durban July after-party, but there will be numerous parties around the city on Saturday evening.
With two concerts running concurrently, the annual Mother of All Parties organisers are hoping their line-up will persuade music lovers to come to Kings Park Stadium.
“We’ve brought in some of the most happening acts in the industry right now – Cassper Nyovest, Black Motion, Monique Bingham from the US and Rocco from France,” said Mandla Motau.
Afrotainment’s Fact Durban Rocks music treat will be at the People’s Park at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. This year, there will be three covered dance floors and acts including Mafikizolo and Donald.
“This is always the biggest Durban July after-party. Last year we had 15 000 people and this could be more,” said Afrotainment’s DJ Tira, real name Mthokozisi Khathi.
The Mercury