Sport MEC thank stakeholders for successful Dundee July

The MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Hlengiwe Mavimbela has thanked all stakeholders, including organisers, sponsors and partners, for their roles in the hosting of an amazing and successful Dundee July 2019 that took place this past weekend.

This rural horse riding event, held on Saturday, 20th July at the Dundee Horse Racing Track, has experienced phenomenal growth and improvements over the past 14 years of its existence in its current form. It combines horse racing, fashion and entertainment that appeals to people of all age groups and walks of life.

MEC Mavimbela says the fact that the Dundee July was attended by an estimated 25 000 spectators, punters, celebrities, top musicians and fashionistas from across the Southern Region and injecting over R 30 million into Dundee’s economy, was a clear indication of the growth of the event.

“This year, we witnessed a considerably improved level of participation and we had an influx of revelers from across the South Africa and neighbouring countries.  The reach of the Dundee July is also growing locally and we intend to maintain this status quo so that the event continues to benefit local business people,” said Mavimbela.

She expressed her gratitude to sponsors and partners for their contribution in the growth of the event.

“We want to thank all our sponsors and partners for a job well done in promoting the event. The phenomenal increase in the stake money to a total of R1,3m this year is a clear indication of the growth of the event and enhanced interest from sponsors.”

The winner of the main race sponsored by Amathole Funerals, Nxakanxaka from Amajuba district walked away with a whooping R100 000 first prize money, followed by Album with R70 000 for second place.

Mayor of eNdumeni Municipality Siduduzo Dladla also took the opportunity to congratulate all the winners and participants.

“I enjoyed the street parade that preceded the main event.  It was a marvel to watch the brass band, motorbikes and the gusheshes parading through town and Sbongile Township. Of course,   we still have our challenges but we will continue to work on improving this product which has now become a national and international attraction,” said Mdluli.

Chairperson of the KZN Rural Horse Riding Association Mbuyi Mkhize said the increased investment by government on the festival was now yielding intended results.

“We would also like to thank our sponsors for supporting the festival and we can now confidently say that we are on the right track of becoming the premier rural horse racing event in the country,” said Mkhize.

While this was mainly a racing event, entertainment at the closing concert, the Dundee July Experience and a number of private hospitality marquees proved to be popular in the evening, with entertainment line ups featuring some top musicians, including Kwesta, Prince Kaybee, CassperNyovest, Sjava, ShwiNomtekhala and DumiMkokstadi as well as top DJs. Afro-pop group Mafikizolo and Professor performed at the Eyadini marquee.

Local fashion designers also had an opportunity to showcase their garments, thanks to support by the Department of Arts and Culture. But the biggest winners were the local hospitality industry with all the hotels and bed and breakfast establishments fully booked, extending to neighbouring towns of Glencoe, Ladysmith and Newcastle. Locals were also encouraged to rent out their homes for the week-end.

Horse Racing results :

SANLAM RACE 1
GRADE 7 TROTTERS

COMMEX RACE 2
GRADE 6

RACE 3 – VILLAGE EVENTS
GRADE 5

NB NO RESULTS FOR RACE 4 (ALL HORSES DISQUALIFIED)

UTILITY SYSTEMS RACE 5
(LADIES)

RACE 6 - ITHALA
GRADE 3

RACE 7 –SPORTPERSA
GRADE 2

TROTTING SA RACE 8
 GRADE 2 Trotters

AMATHOLE (MAIN RACE 9)
Grade 1 (the best horses by speed)