It's all systems go for South Africa’s biggest social event of the year -The Vodacom Durban July.
Every year on the first Saturday of July the who’s who of just about everything descend on the historic Greyville Racecourse in Durban for what has proven over the years to be a non-stop party weekend. Over 50 000 people are expected to attend this years event.
Charles Preece of the Federated Hospitality Association of South Africa (FEDHASA) says ‘July Weekend’ will give the hospitality industry a huge boost.
“The July has become a highly sought after event over the years, as South Africa’s most premier horse racing event. The cost of attending is also very high. The hotels in Durban are busy and most of them are fully booked but there appears to be a capacity for latecomers,” said Peerce.
As “July Fever” hits, this is what race goers can expect - There will be 390 waiters, who will serve more than 17 000 bottles of beer, 256 000 bottles of water, 2500 bottles of spirits and 900 bottles of wine. With more than 50 000 people attending and 15 000 mouths to feed there will be 40 chefs who will be preparing the succulent meals that will be served. It is estimated that there will be 8000 portions of curry , 2200kg of meat, 750 kg of chicken,280 kg of prawns, 2600 portions of sushi, 300 kg of crayfish and 1200 oysters.
Head of Durban Tourism Phillip Sithole says for the first time the Vodacom Durban July experience will go beyond Greyville Racecourse and into the townships. “There are various events that are lined up. There is an artist development workshop that will take place in at Umlazi Café and LIVE AMP, a music show from SABC1 will be broadcasting live from Eyadini Lounge in Umlazi with various performances from different artists,” says Sithole.
He added that the city is set to make over R250 million in the week leading up to the event. - Dineho Phathi / IOL Mojo