Want a social-scene bellwether for Mzansi?
Look no further than the tents on a patch of green at Greyville racecourse on the first Saturday in July.
Back in 2017 there were a roaring 30-plus hospitality marquees (including three impressive double-storeys) hosting racegoers at the Durban July.
Fast forward to the height of load-shedding two years later when the tented village shrank to a measly 13 (and the fancy champagne-cork-shaped Moët & Chandon hot-air balloon, meant to make its maiden flight on the eve of the big race, failed to take off).
Well, it seems things are on the up again because yesterday I counted a not-too-shabby 20 temporary citadels to schmoozing and grooving during the running of what is touted as Africa’s greatest horse racing event.
And, with the theme this year “Ride the Wave”, many of the punters were causing a ripple.
Take Rachel Venniker, who, at 22 years old, became the first female jockey to compete in its 128-year history.
Or Shudufatso Musida who, rather than a royal wave (the children’s author and activist was the 2020 Miss South Africa) arrived in a show-stopping gown by designer Mzukisi Mbane for his Imprint brand.
“I am so happy to be able to wear a dress so aligned with my work. This is a campaign which encourages people to protect themselves, and others,” said Shudu of the dress, which incorporated banners proclaiming “Forever Wena”.
Shudu was in the Ambrosia Haven venue, which offered “divine food and drinks in a sanctuary of luxury”.
So don’t say jeans, I am wearing Gianfranco Ferré. Jean Franco Ferre. The shoes I am wearing are Louis Vuitton. You can’t say I am wearing a jacket, I am wearing Amiri. You can’t say I am wearing a T-shirt, I am wearing Zegna
— Kenny Kunene
As part of the HIV awareness campaign there was a “fashion moment”. The marquee also featured a performance by amapiano queen DNB Gogo.
Heading down a walkway lined with marquees I spot Kenny Kunene holding court in one venue with a red colour scheme. I’m intrigued that the Patriotic Alliance deputy leader has turned up at the fashion plate event in jeans and a T-shirt. Kenny sets the style record straight.
“When someone drives a Corolla, you say he is driving a car, whereas when someone is driving a Ferrari you say he is driving a Ferrari, not a car. So don’t say jeans, I am wearing Gianfranco Ferré. The shoes I am wearing are Louis Vuitton. You can’t say I am wearing a jacket, I am wearing Amiri. You can’t say I am wearing a T-shirt, I am wearing Zegna.”
The plushest spot in the village, however, had to be the Chaise Longue marquee which, for R7,500 per person, offered trackside hospitality with a private viewing deck, a deluxe gin garden and extras including a makeup room and relaxing spa treatments.
Organised by event queen Mizana Qata, guests were entertained by Young Stunna and the DJ skills of Major League DJz who, the previous night, had rocked the crowd at Zakes Bantwini’s 20th anniversary celebration concert at the Durban International Convention Centre.
On the menu?
A culinary feast starting with canapés including bruschetta topped with chicken liver pate and caramelised onions, mozzarella sliders and smoked salmon with cream cheese served in porcelain spoons.
There was an impressive harvest table to snack on all day and a sushi chef on hand, while for lunch you could tuck into sumac-rubbed grilled lamb cutlets with polenta cake and fried spinach, panko-crumbed fish goujons with spicy shoestring fries, and teriyaki marinated chicken lollipops served with a cream pea mash.
For dinner, there was a choice of curries while dessert included mini cheesecakes, choc brownies and red velvet squares.
It is there that I caught up with LootLove (Luthando Shosha), who was wearing a blue, jewel-encrusted cocktail dress from Otiz Seflo which was styled by Siya Ndube. “We’re born of the water, and I’m Pisces, so it makes sense for me to look like I’m emerging from the water.”
Revellers were also well-served entertainment-wise at Boomtown, which now in its 13th year and known as the Durban July party central. Having a whale of a time there was Mamello Makha, the Sundowns superfan and beauty entrepreneur as well as actress Naliyana Uma.
On the line-up?
Live performances by KO, Major League DJz, Ms Cosmo, Sphectacula and DJ Naves as well as newcomer Tenoceans.
Meanwhile Lerato Kganyago chose a dramatic crystal-encrusted denim two-piece with a floor-grazing cape from Gert-Johan Coetzee. The TV personality and Metro FM host was one of the most in-demand DJs on the day, starting her set at the Hive Black & Gold marquee in the nursery section of the racetrack.
As for which thoroughbred rode the crest of a wave as the winner for this year’s big race?
That honour goes to Oriental Charm, ridden by JP van der Merwe.
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