This year’s Durban July is bringing R700m into the city

Updated July 4, 2025, 9:23 a.m. | By East Coast Breakfast

The 2025 Durban July is bringing horses, fashion, parties… and a R700m payday for the city!

The much-hyped Durban July 2025 is galloping into town this weekend, and it’s not just about the horses.

Think fashion, music, pre-parties, afterparties, and a whole lot of Mzansi magic.

While you’re deciding whether to rock beads, feathers or full-on Marvels of Mzansi drip (because that’s this year’s theme, by the way), the city’s economy is also getting a major glow-up!

ALSO READ: Marvels of Mzansi: How to slay this year’s Durban July theme

According to eThekwini Mayor Cyril Xaba, the Durban July isn’t just a big deal for the racecourse, it’s a money-maker for the whole city.

We’re talking over R700 million pumped into Durban’s GDP this weekend alone. Yup, that’s a lot of zeros!

More than R278 million of that will be direct spend from hotel bookings and restaurant visits to those fabulous outfits you know people splurge on.

With over 50,000 visitors expected to hit Durban’s streets, beaches, and party spots, the city’s about to be busier than a bunny at a carrot farm.

If you haven’t booked a room yet, good luck! IOL reports that hotel occupancy is already sitting at 80%.

On top of the economic boost, the Durban July festivities are set to create over 4,000 jobs.

From event staff and security to food vendors and Uber drivers, it’s going to be work and play all weekend long.

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So, it’s Durban’s biggest weekend of the year. The horses will race, the outfits will dazzle, the champagne will flow, and the city’s economy will cash in big time.

If you aren’t part of it, you’re probably hearing about it anyway.

So you might as well throw on your Marvels of Mzansi best and join the fun.

See you at the track… or the afterparty!