ETHEKWINI REASSURES VISITORS OF A SAFE AND ENTERTAINING DURBAN JULY
EThekwini Mayor Councillor Mxolisi Kaunda has assured the approximately 48 000 expected punters and fashionistas attending the Hollywoodbets Durban July Experience on 1 July that all safety measures are in place to ensure a safe and enjoyable event.
The R5 million record stake horseracing event will be held at the Greyville Racecourse.
Mayor Kaunda said law enforcement agencies will be deployed to strategic areas during the Durban July to ensure the safety of patrons and residents.
“Approximately 100 Metro Police officers will be deployed around the Greyville area. In addition, Metro Police’s Public Order Policing Unit, which is trained in crowd control, is on high alert to ensure an incident free event,” said Mayor Kaunda.
Mayor Kaunda said the popular race is going ahead despite threats to disrupt it. “We are not fazed by these threats. We see them as a desperate attempt to be relevant and to grab headlines by riding on the popularity of the Durban July. We respect the right of any group or individual to express themselves on any issue, but we will not tolerate any lawlessness,” he said.
All intersections will be managed for traffic control and any suspicious movement ahead of the event. Some of the roads will be closed include the following:
- Mitchell Crescent /Sixth Avenue
- Clarence Road / Sixth Avenue
- Mitchell Crescent / Fifth Avenue
- Clarence Road / Fifth Avenue,
- and DLI Avenue/ Avondale Road.
Mayor Kaunda said tourism is an important sector as it boosts the local economy and creates jobs. He said the tourism sector is bouncing back following several setbacks. This made it even more important for major events, like the Durban July, to go ahead unhindered.
“The projections for the economic impact on eThekwini from the Durban July Experience are far reaching. The event will attract up to 48 000 attendees, amassing a R65 million direct spend, contributing R130 million to the GDP and creating 1 500 jobs,” said Mayor Kaunda.
Businesses that stand to gain from the Durban July include the hospitality and tourism industry, creative and transport sectors, as well as related value chain sectors.
Fashion remains an important part of the Durban July experience which provides local designers with massive exposure and boosts their sales.
The Durban July weekend promises loads of entertainment, with several events lined up. Some exciting events that are linked to the Hollywoodbets Durban July Experience include the Fact Durban Rocks concert, the Mother of All Parties, Any Given Sunday, and the Durban July Township Experience where visitors can experience all that Durban has to offer.
ENDS.
Issued by the eThekwini Municipality’s Communications Unit.