Hollywoodbets Durban July: meet the first black horse racing announcer in isiZulu on TV

When it comes to South Africa’s black pioneers, the name Sanele Mchunu now stands alongside the greats from Comrades Marathon champion Sam Tshabalala, to Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, and music star Khaya Mthethwa.

Hailing from Mpophomeni in Howick, Mchunu has carved out his own place in history as the first black person to announce horse races in isiZulu on national television.

The 41-year-old, who now lives in KwaNyuswa near Pinetown, was hired by Race Coast and on  Saturday July 5 takes to the mic at the prestigious Hollywoodbets Durban July, a moment that marks both personal triumph and a step forward for representation in the horse racing industry.

Speaking to Isolezwe, Mchunu reflected on the opportunity that came his way in 2023, when Hollywoodbets sought to revitalise horse racing by making it more accessible to a broader audience.

“I was challenged to announce the races in isiZulu something I’d never even dreamed of,” he said. “But I grabbed the opportunity with both hands.”

Since then, Mchunu has become a regular voice in the sport and hopes his role will open doors for others.

“Even after Smanga Khumalo’s historic Durban July win, there’s still only one Black horse trainer in the country,” he said.

“This is an industry with huge employment potential, and it’s time more Black South Africans got involved – not just at major events like the Durban July, but throughout the year.”

Mchunu’s journey began in the classrooms of KwaMqhathi Primary in KwaMpande, before moving to KwaNyuswa’s St Lawrence Primary and later completing matric at Khabazela High School in Embo. He went on to study Video Technology at what is now the Durban University of Technology.

His professional media career began in 2006 as a video editor at the SABC, followed by stints at SuperSport TV and, eventually, Gallop TV under e.tv, where he now works as a studio producer.

While he hasn’t yet married, Mchunu is a proud father of three and continues to make strides, not only for himself, but for the next generation of broadcasters, sports enthusiasts, and horse racing professionals.