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41 DUT Excellence 2025 | Semester 1Mzansi%u2019s finest and fearless student fashion creatives put on a dazzling display as the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award, presented by Durban Fashion Fair Competition, was whittled down to finalists in June 2025.The final 10 were selected after 25 semi-finalists from accredited colleges across KZN displayed their interpretations of the %u2018Marvels of Mzansi%u2019 theme, depicting what it means to be South African %u2013 from the landscapes, entertainment and food, to traditional comingof-age ceremonies.The judging took place against the running of the Hollywoodbets Gold Challenge at Durban%u2019s Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse, a fitting backdrop for the last round of judging before %u2018Africa%u2019s Greatest Horse Racing and Fashion Event%u2019 on 5 July 2025, when the top three Young Designers will be announced.The two Durban University of Technology (DUT) finalists in the Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award were Mpilo Sithole and Queenton Mjweni.Vuyisile Ngobese, judge and Hollywood Foundation Public Relations Officer, said: %u201cThese young designers captured the essence of the theme %u2018Marvels of Mzansi%u2019. They went all out, manufacturing and producing fabric, taking it to the edge, and they delivered.%u201dInvited designer and judge Sandile %u2018Duke%u2019 Mngadi, said: %u201cThe huge number of call backs before we even got to the top 25 finalists emphasises the level of talent that showed up. The experience speaks TWO DUT STUDENTS IN FINAL 10 OF HOLLYWOODBETS DURBAN JULY YOUNG DESIGNER AWARDsvolumes, not just for me as a designer, but for the growth of our industry; our fashion community. I was once a young designer myself. What Hollywoodbets Durban July is doing for young designers has never been seen before. This development stage is the most vital for any successful designer. So, it%u2019s a big shout out to all relevant stakeholders.%u201dMore information can be found at www.hollywoodbetsdurbanjuly.co.zaGameplan MediaPictured: The top 10 finalists Hollywoodbets Durban July Young Designer Award.Photography: Graham Daniel/Gameplan MediaThese young designers captured the essence of the theme %u2018Marvels of Mzansi%u2019. They went all out, manufacturing and producing fabric, taking it to the edge, and they delivered.%u2013 VUYISILE NGOBESE