So much MORE at the Dundee July 2017

So much MORE at the Dundee July 2017

The newly-installed race track at the 12th Dundee July will see rural horse racing enthusiasts galloping their way to victory with winning prize money totaling R500 000.

The annual event attracts horse owners and jockeys from all over KwaZulu-Natal, Eastern Cape, Free State, Mpumalanga and Southern African Development Community (SADC) member countries, Botswana and Lesotho.

The not-to-be-missed event has grown in stature since 2012 from approximately 1 500 spectators and 30 participants, to the expected 40 000 spectators and 500 participants.

Ithala SOC Limited, a 100% owned subsidiary of Ithala Development Finance Corporation, is the official banking partner and one of the sponsors of this flagship event organised by the Department of Sport and Recreation.

Ithala’s mandate is to serve ordinary South Africans and help them to manage their money and create wealth.

The “Ithala International Race” which features participants from across the SADC region is one of seven nail-biting races to be featured in the Dundee July programme.

“As a pioneer champion in banking the unbanked in KZN, transactional accounts have been opened for participants to safely deposit their participation fees and winnings, thereby eliminating cash payments and safety risks associated with carrying cash,” said Sandile Xolo, Ithala SOC Limited’s Marketing and Communications Manager.

“The event has enough entertainment to satisfy even the most discerning spectator. Fashion shows, music, dance and food tasting are just some of the activities on the programme. Ithala ATM facilities on site make it convenient for attendees to transact without having to leave the event to find cash.”

A colourful street carnival to take place on Friday 14 July will showcase race horses, traditional clothing, fashion trends, bikers, music and dance in anticipation of the main event on Saturday 15 July.

Entrance is free for the two-day extravaganza which attracts a number of high profile guests including the KZN cabinet; representatives from other provinces; senior managers from key stakeholders; funding partners; mayors and councillors; traditional leaders; horse racing organisations and private sector representatives.

“Horses are fit and ready for the big day. We extend our gratitude to the Department of Sport and Recreation for growing the sport to the level it is today. Our valued stakeholders have also contributed immensely to developing the sport and the event and their sponsorship is most appreciated,” said Menzi Buthelezi from the Rural Horse Riding Association.

The Honourable MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Mrs Bongi Sithole-Moloi, echoed the sentiments of former SA president Nelson Mandela who said “Sport is a way of bringing people together”.

“The Dundee July is a big event for us in KZN. Horse racing will be given the recognition it rightfully deserves and will be prioritised all year round – not only for the annually-held Dundee July,” she said.

“Such an event will create employment and contribute to local development as 90% of accommodation is booked in Dundee and surrounding areas.”

The Honourable MEC is hopeful that with increased training and support for local jockeys and horse owners, more KZN participants will be declared winners at this year’s event