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Mbhashe Municipality teams up with Ngumbela Legacy and the Department of Sports, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC) to host the highly anticipated community horse racing event.
All roads will lead to Bomela in Dutywa on 25 October 2025 for the much-anticipated Ngumbela Annual October Horse Race. The event, organised by Ngumbela Legacy in partnership with the Mbhashe Local Municipality and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), aims to boost local tourism and economic activity through traditional horse racing.
What Happened?
Preparations are in full swing for one of the Eastern Cape’s most cherished sporting traditions, the Ngumbela Annual October Race. The event, which has become a fixture on the local calendar, will take place at the Ngcingwane Bomela Horse Racing Grounds in Dutywa.
Festivities will kick off at 09:00 AM with dozens of horses and riders expected to participate in a thrilling day of races. Organizers say this year’s race will not only celebrate local heritage but also serve as a platform to promote small businesses and youth participation in sport.
Official Response
The Mbhashe Local Municipality has expressed strong support for the initiative, showcasing local culture and driving rural development.
“We are proud to collaborate with Ngumbela Legacy and DSRAC. Events like this preserve our traditions and create sustainable economic benefits for our residents,”said a municipal spokesperson.
The DSRAC confirmed its continued involvement in supporting traditional sporting events that promote inclusion and recreation across the province.
Community Impact
The horse race is expected to attract visitors from across the Amathole District, filling local guesthouses and benefiting small traders. Food stalls, arts and crafts stands, and music performances will accompany the racing program, ensuring a vibrant community atmosphere.
