WeeklySA_AdminPARTNERSHIP: Fresh from being named Best Marquee at last year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July, Saso’s Marquee Experience returns with a renewed focus on luxury hospitality, fashion and entertainment, highlighted by a landmark collaboration with renowned fashion house MaXhosa Africa…
By Priscilla Malinga
Saso’s Marquee Experience is set to make a highly anticipated return to the Hollywoodbets Durban July, promising an elevated blend of luxury hospitality, fashion and entertainment at one of South Africa’s premier social and sporting events.
The award-winning marquee, which was crowned Best Marquee at the 2025 Hollywoodbets Durban July, will once again welcome guests when the event takes place at the Greyville Racecourse in Durban on Saturday, 4 July 2026.
Previously known as Saso’s Brunch Marquee, the rebranded Saso’s Marquee Experience has built a reputation for combining exclusivity, sophisticated hospitality and immersive entertainment. Organisers say this year’s edition aims to further strengthen its position as a leading destination for culture, fashion and premium lifestyle experiences.
“This year, we’re taking the experience to another level,” said founder Lusaso “Saso” Ngcobo.
“The support and response from last year showed us the impact and cultural relevance of what we are building. We’re excited to welcome guests back to the rebranded Saso’s Marquee Experience, which continues to evolve while maintaining the luxury, energy and atmosphere people have come to expect.”
One of the marquee’s major attractions this year will be a partnership with luxury fashion brand MaXhosa Africa. The collaboration will see the celebrated label host a dedicated fashion showcase both in the lead-up to the Durban July and on race day itself.
The showcase is expected to feature a collection of previously unseen designs, including bespoke and atelier pieces, offering fashion enthusiasts a rare glimpse into a side of the brand that has largely remained behind the scenes. It will also serve as the first major public presentation of MaXhosa Africa’s custom-made and atelier divisions.
The partnership was officially unveiled at a launch event held at the brand’s Johannesburg headquarters, where guests were introduced to plans for the upcoming Durban July experience.
Founded by acclaimed designer Laduma Ngxokolo, MaXhosa Africa has evolved from a local knitwear label into one of South Africa’s most recognised luxury fashion brands. Drawing inspiration from Xhosa heritage and traditional design elements, the brand has gained international recognition through appearances at major fashion events, including Paris Fashion Week.
Organisers say additional announcements regarding the entertainment line-up, brand collaborations and exclusive experience offerings will be made in the weeks leading up to race day.
Tickets for Saso’s Marquee Experience became available on 4 June, with strong demand expected as anticipation builds for this year’s Hollywoodbets Durban July.
As preparations gather momentum, Saso’s Marquee Experience appears poised to remain one of the standout destinations at South Africa’s biggest day on the social calendar.
