More Than a Moment: Reflections from Durban July

Flashback to a standout weekend in Durban. Still thinking about the people, the purpose, and the perspectives that made this trip one to remember.

Just back from a whirlwind weekend in Durban, where I had the privilege of meeting some of the incredible service stars working behind the scenes at the Durban July hosted by Hollywoodbets.

Over 300 staff members arrived at 5:30 am, ready to power one of South Africa’s most iconic events. The energy felt electric. The sun shone, the venue was packed, and the atmosphere truly reflected this year’s theme: Marvels of Mzansi.

And yes, the outfits were absolutely spectacular! 🇿🇦

CSG deserves huge credit for running a smooth and professional operation. Coordinating a team of that size requires immense skill and leadership, and they handled it impressively.

At tipped, we proudly supported the event by enabling digital tipping for service staff. Today, we’re rolling out wage disbursements to those same hardworking individuals. This is exactly the kind of impact we strive to make.

While the event celebrated all things South African and glamorous, I also took a moment to reflect. An animal rights activist stood outside the gates, raising concerns about the horse racing industry. 

Seeing that protest reminded me how important it is to stay open to different perspectives, even during moments of celebration.

Overall, it was a powerful and inspiring trip. Durban, thank you for the warmth, the spirit, and the reminder of why we do what we do.

-Kimlynn Temple-tipped Founder and CEO 2025