The countdown to the 20th edition of the Dundee July Traditional Horse Racing event officially began on Tuesday, 24 June, as the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, in partnership with local stakeholders, hosted the event launch in Dundee, northern KwaZulu-Natal.
The Honourable MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture, Mr. Mntomuhle Khawula, accompanied by Mayors of Endumeni and Umzinyathi Municipalities, led the colourful launch event and reflected on two decades of cultural pride, economic growth, and rural transformation.
The much-anticipated Dundee July event will take place on 19 July at Endumeni Horse Racing Track in Dundee under the theme African Royalty. It will incorporate nine highly contested horse races, models showcasing latest fashion garments on the catwalk and hot entertainment featuring top and upcoming artists.
“The Dundee July is more than a horse race — it is a cultural movement, a vehicle for rural development and a growing economic engine for our province,” said MEC Khawula. “It is about pride, identity, fashion, music and opportunity. And it continues to bring our communities together while attracting national and regional interest,” he said.
In addition to thrilling traditional horse races, the Dundee July is renowned for its vibrant fashion and entertainment scene, making it one of the most exciting cultural fixtures on South Africa’s calendar.
Chairperson of the Traditional Horse Riding and Breeding Association, Mr Menzi Buthelezi, who was a jockey when the event started in 2005, said they are pleased with the level of growth achieved by the event, including its benefits for the local economy.
“When the race started the winning horse received R20 000, and it is pleasing that last year the winner pocketed R350 000 first prize money. This year our horses are ready, and we want to ensure that the prizemoney stays in KwaZulu-Natal. Our horses like Colchester, Nxakanxaka, Alpha and Omega, Mbayimbayi and Mazondo, will be competing to retain the title,” he said.
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