The 20th annual Dundee July will this year mark two decades of rural horse racing in the Umzinyathi and Endumeni districts.

This prestigious event draws participants from across the country and has grown significantly since its inception in 2005. Originally offering R20,000 to the main race winner, last year’s champion walked away with R350,000—evidence of the event’s growing stature and strong sponsorship support.

Key stakeholders gathered at a recent media event to commemorate the milestone, including mayors and municipal managers from Umzinyathi, Endumeni, Msinga, and Nquthu. Numerous guest speakers and councillors attended as guests of honour, alongside local businesses who have long supported the event.

MEC for Sports, Arts and Culture, Mntomuhle Khawula, praised the Dundee July’s role in stimulating the district’s economy and helping reduce unemployment. “This event has boosted economic growth in the district and created job opportunities for many locals,” he said.

Chairman of the Dundee July, Menzi Buthelezi, also spoke, noting that this year’s event will benefit from increased sponsorship, further enhancing its scale and potential impact.

In 2024, the Dundee July generated 360 jobs across multiple sectors, including hospitality, security, and fashion. A total of R90,000 was injected into different event sections, contributing to local livelihoods.

The highly anticipated Dundee July will take place on July 19 at the Dundee Racetrack, promising a day of excitement, celebration, and economic upliftment for the region. The parade will be held through Dundee town on July 18.

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