With growing popularity, participation and prizemoney, not too long from now could the Dundee July be a strong contender to overtake the Durban July as South Africa’s premier horseracing event?

This year’s Dundee July event themed "African Jewel” and held in the  coal-mining town in the centre of northern KwaZulu-Natal, reimagined the essence of Africa’s beauty and talent. The 19th annual celebration brought together vibrant culture, dazzling fashion, and impressive horse racing, all under the African sun.

Melusi Gamede from Mondlo in Vryheid won the 2024 Dundee July main race with his horse Mbayi Mbayi. He took home the R350 000 cash prize.

Ithala SOC Ltd, a major sponsor of the fashion pageant, has taken a strategic decision to be the banking partner of Dundee July.

The winner in the Best Men’s Wear category was Sizwe Sokhela; the winners for Best Women’s Wear were Brenda Waring and Pamela Shabane; and Nosibusiso Mbali had the Most Creative Outfit. They each received prizemoney of R10 000 from Ithala.

The Ithala marquee had the KZN Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli; the KZN MEC for Economic Development, Tourism, and Environmental Affairs Reverand Musa Zondi; the KZN MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula; and the MEC for Finance Francois Adrianus Rodgers coming in to greet and mingle with leadership of Ithala and VIP guests that were hosted by Ithala. When Rev Zondi was speaking in the short programme hosted by Ithala in the marquee, he highlighted the significance of Dundee July in showcasing the rich heritage and creativity that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer and underscoring the importance of economic development initiatives in fostering community spirit and growth. He emphasized the importance of such events in uplifting local communities and inspiring future generations. Attendees were treated to a display of stunning outfits, pulsating music, and amazing races, truly celebrating the African spirit.

Race 9 which was the Ithala Race was won by Muhlue with his horse called Vuma who clinched R100 000. Muhlue thanked Ithala for his price and commended Ithala’s ongoing efforts to support ordinary South Africans through the projects they are involved with in promoting socio-economic growth.

Dr Thulani Vilakazi, CEO of Ithala, said the Dundee July attracts a large following and provides an ideal platform in which to bring affordable and convenient financial services closer to the people of KZN.

“As a pioneer champion in banking the unbanked in KZN, business accounts will be opened for participants to safely receive their participation fees and winnings, thus growing our transactional account base. Ithala will distribute stake money and appearance fees to all winners and participants this year in order to grow business’ deposit and fee income through transactional banking,” he said.

Reverand Zondi highlighted the significance of Dundee July in showcasing the rich heritage and creativity that KwaZulu-Natal has to offer and underscoring the importance of economic development initiatives in fostering community spirit and growth.

Premier Ntuli commended the province’s Department of Sports, Arts and Culture for delivering a well organised 19th Dundee July Traditional horseracing event which he said has a potential of increasing job creation.

The Premier said the Dundee July at Endumeni Racetrack was competing with the popular Durban July event as it attracted different racial groups as well as the people from as far as Lesotho.

He was also hopeful that the Dundee July will also open investment corridors in the coming future so that people will not always flock into the big cities for better opportunities.