Award-winning broadcaster and media personality Carol Ofori brought glamour, storytelling, and South African pride to the fore at this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July – stunning in three custom-designed looks that paid tribute to the 2025 theme, ‘Marvels of Mzansi’.
Held at the iconic Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 5 July, the event celebrated South Africa’s heritage, resilience, and extraordinary achievements – and Carol delivered all of that and more through bold fashion and even bolder presence.
Carol was styled by The Fifth, a collective of four trailblazing Black female designers from KwaZulu-Natal, known for their contemporary Afro-chic designs. Each of Carol’s three looks honoured a unique facet of South African culture, strength and excellence.
Kicking off the day in a show-stopping white gown designed by Sibu Msimang, Carol paid homage to South Africa’s national flower, the Protea, and the recently crowned national cricket champions, who share the same name. The design blended symbolic grace with modern flair, representing victory, beauty, and unity.
She later turned up the glamour in a gold gown by Zama Gumede of Zaviar Fashion House, exuding opulence and honouring South African excellence in the arts and entertainment.
For the third look, Carol channelled dramatic elegance in a black couture piece designed by Kwenzi Nkomo of Indoni Fashion House and is a tribute to resilience, power, and bold feminine energy.
Beyond her fashion moments, Carol also brought her signature sparkle as MC at both the Sinayo Hospitality Marquee and the East Coast Radio Grand Suite, where she entertained VIP guests and added warmth and wit to the festivities.
“The Durban July is always a celebration of fashion, flair, and South African excellence and I was so proud to wear pieces created by powerful women from the province I call home,” Carol Ofori says. “The theme ‘Marvels of Mzansi’ really spoke to my heart, and each look told a story about who we are as a people — bold, brilliant, and full of joy. I was honoured to be part of such a spectacular day!”
With dazzling fashion, unforgettable energy, and vibrant South African pride on full display, the day was nothing short of magical – and Carol Ofori was at the heart of it all. From captivating fashion moments to her lively hosting duties, she helped make the day one to remember.