Anlia Etzebeth, the wife of Springbok player Eben Etzebeth, performed the national anthem at the Durban July event. A video of her performance is available for viewing.

At the 2026 Hollywoodbets Durban July, South Africa's prominent celebrities, including Jessica Nkosi, Moozlie, and Zozibini Tunzi, captured attention with their fashion choices, aligning with the event's 'Country Allure' theme. The occasion highlighted bold fashion statements and personal creativity, marking it as a significant event in the country's style calendar.

A matric pupil at Hoërskool Jeugland in Kempton Park has gone viral with a “Mean Girls”-style head girl campaign video inspired by Regina George, according to The Citizen. The video has drawn millions of views and attracted attention from South African media personalities Sizwe Dhlomo and Anele Mdoda, as well as a public shout-out from American rapper Missy Elliott.

Award-winning designer Gert-Johan Coetzee unveiled two unique designs for the Hollywoodbets Durban July 2026 theme, Country Allure, tailored for fashion personalities Kefilwe Mabote and Lerato Kganyago. The couture pieces emphasize romance, innovation, and craftsmanship, presenting bold interpretations of country-inspired fashion.

Ugandan comedian Cotilda Inapo, widely known in the country's comedy circles as the queen of comedy, staged her second comedy special of the year, titled Let Me Cook, at the National Theatre on Friday night. According to Sqoop, the performance drew on her experiences of growing up, motherhood and surviving adulthood, turning those life lessons into comedy for the audience in attendance.

Former Bafana Bafana defender Matthew Booth and his partner Bongani Mthombeni have announced they are expecting their first child together. The couple shared the news in a joint post on Instagram, according to IOL. Booth, a former South African international footballer, and Mthombeni have previously attracted media attention as a couple, with the pregnancy announcement drawing widespread public interest.