Hollywoodbets Durban July once again demonstrated its status as the largest fashion, music, and culture festival in South Africa. The Johnnie Walker brand created vibrant moments throughout one of the country's most anticipated social weekends.
Hollywoodbets Durban July once again demonstrated its status as the largest fashion, music, and culture festival in South Africa. The Johnnie Walker brand created vibrant moments throughout one of the country's most anticipated social weekends.
The brand's most noticeable presence was at the Boomtown event organized by Johnnie Walker. On that day, the races transformed into an unforgettable music festival. Artists such as TKZee, Sphectacula & DJ Naves, DJ Tira, Sjava, Blxckie, Karyendasoul, and Ciza performed on stage, along with SJ, Kristen Singh, J SBU, Deon G, and Fantas The DJ, providing entertainment to the public late into the evening and making Boomtown one of the main points of the festival.
The presence of Johnnie Walker branding at Durban July symbolizes the company's commitment to celebrating South African culture. Guests were also able to enjoy signature cocktails from Johnnie Walker, including the refreshing Johnnie Ginger and Walker Sour, while premium hospitality offerings enhanced the race day experience.
In addition to the main racetrack, the celebration continued in a more intimate setting. Events took place at Dukkah before the races, and culinary moments were organized at Butcher Boys Umhlanga. The evening concluded with a live party at Rockets Wonderland, extending the spirit of the weekend after the final runs.
Ifeoma Agu, Head of Culture, Influencers and Advocacy at Diageo South, West & Central Africa, noted that 'Durban July is a place where music, fashion, and culture intersect, making it an ideal platform for creating unifying experiences.' All these events reflected Johnnie Walker's continuous interest in supporting South African culture through memorable moments in music, lifestyle, and hospitality.
During the semi-final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup in Durban, the match between the Springboks and France was seriously complicated by extreme downpours. The atmosphere before the game was tense, as the weather created conditions that threatened to derail the match.
A witness to the match recalled that under the monsoon rains in Durban during the World Cup semi-final, the situation was extremely difficult. The rain was so heavy it seemed like a fire hose was hitting the stadium. The start of the game was delayed by ninety minutes because the Welsh referee, Derek Bevan, feared that a forward might drown if the scrum collapsed in deep puddles.
The Springbok management, facing the possibility of the match being called off, was in a state of panic. If cancelled, France could have advanced to the final due to a better disciplinary record in the tournament, as hooker Bok James Dalton had received a red card in the previous match against Canada in Port Elizabeth. Various technological solutions were discussed, including using water-absorbing machines from the neighboring golf club Durban Country Club and calling in Air Force helicopters to disperse moisture, although the latter would have been dangerous for spectators.
Despite all the talk of using technology, it was ironic that the situation was saved by women who came onto the field with buckets and mops, performing the work manually. Eventually, the game took place, and France approached a goal that could have been a winning try as time ran out. Earlier, James Small and Andre Joubert had kicked high balls into the Bok 22 area, leading to French attacks. The Springboks managed to hold the defense, but when forward Abdelatif Bennazi picked up the ball just three yards from the line, Small heroically lunged onto the line, diving over the try line in a 'kamikaze' style to prevent Bennazi from grounding the ball.
After the final whistle, Bevan, the jubilant Springboks scattered, splashing water, while the disappointed French sank into the mud and wept. Twenty-five years later, Bali Swart, the tighthead prop of that game, shared his memories. He recounted that in the morning before the game, a huge cloud obstruction hung over the Indian Ocean, and he noted that the rain was unusual. Upon arriving at the stadium, they could not get onto the field because it had turned into a lake.
Swart remembered discussing the game in the locker room, where Andre Joubert used a special finned glove after an injury in the quarter-final against Samoa. During warm-ups, manager Morne (du Plessis) announced the delay of the match start, and the team waited, wondering if their World Cup had ended. After the second delay, they warmed up for the fourth time. When they finally took the field, they were met with a sea of colors, and they saw many South African flags waving in the rain.
He noted that playing as a forward was difficult because most of the time they were chasing the ball, and trying to control the ball would have been madness due to the heavy and wet pitch. The second half of the game was tough: during one ruck, Bennazi crashed into him, and he felt pain in his ribs. Despite this, he kept playing until the pain became unbearable. During the last scrums near the try line, when the Springboks led 19-15, he decided he should be substituted if he couldn't give 100 percent effort. After the first scrum collapsed, he told Kobus he was done. Kobus responded with harsh words but then added that they needed to move forward, not backward.
Swart explained that the victory was achieved through 'spirit', adrenaline, and foolishness, but perhaps the decisive factor was the support of the crowd in that corner, shouting 'Bokke! Bokke!'. After the final whistle, he gathered with two other forwards in a circle, crying with relief. A week later, in the dry conditions of Ellis Park, the Springboks became world champions.
In observance of Mandela Day across the country, numerous events are planned in the City of Gold. One of these is a run and walk in honor of Mandela Day, intended to celebrate the legacy of Nelson Mandela, as well as the values of unity, determination, and well-being.
This run is inspired by Madiba's famous route through the streets of Houghton. It offers various participation options: a half marathon of 21 km, a 10 km race, or an easy family walk of 5 km, making it accessible to everyone. The event will take place on Sunday, July 19th, at the DP World Wanderers Stadium located at Corlett Dr, Illovo, Sandton. The start time for the 21 km and 10 km distances is set for 7:30 AM, while the 5 km starts at 7:45 AM. The event will also feature live entertainment and various activities.
A special version of Secret Sunrise Joburg called 'Madiba Magic' invites city residents to participate in a session dedicated to music, movement, and positive vibes. This gathering will include silent disco, light breathing exercises, rooftop views, coffee, food, and a Saturday morning atmosphere. Attire should be comfortable, casual, and weather-appropriate; extra points are awarded for caps, sunglasses, or the best 'Madiba' themed outfit. The event will take place on Saturday, July 18th, starting at 8:30 AM, at Mall of the South in Liefde En Vrede.
The Supercar Rhino Run event returns to the Kyalami track, uniting the Mzansi supercar enthusiast community in support of rhino conservation. Approximately 150 outstanding vehicles from across the country are expected to participate. There will also be an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the largest supercar/hypercar display. The program includes a supercar parade, a drift demonstration (a motorsport display of skill and athleticism), spinning displays, tire burnouts, a simulated anti-poaching operation, and a K9 demonstration, along with entertainment, food, and drinks. This will happen on Sunday, July 19th, starting at 8:30 AM, at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit track in Midrand.
