DELMAS – From childhood fashion inspiration to becoming one of the standout personalities at South Africa's biggest fashion and lifestyle event, Goodman Bongani Mavimbela – better known as Da Style Guru – has built a brand rooted in creativity, confidence and resilience.

The Delmas-based master of ceremonies, fashion stylist and image consultant attracted photographers, journalists and social media users with his carefully curated look at the 2026 Durban July, held at the Hollywoodbets Greyville Racecourse on Saturday, 04 July 2026.

For Mavimbela, the recognition represented more than a fashion moment.

"My Durban July experience was amazing. For the first time in my life, a fashion designer approached me to collaborate on my Durban July look. Normally, because I'm a celebrity stylist, I style myself from start to finish."

Born in Kwaggafontein before moving to Tweefontein at the age of three, Mavimbela credits his parents for inspiring his love of fashion. He later studied Information and Communication Technology at the Tshwane University of Technology before entering the clothing retail industry. In 2015, he travelled to Turkey, Dubai and Mauritius, where he gained valuable exposure to international fashion and design.

Inspired by those experiences, he opened The Famous Fashion Door boutique in Pretoria's CBD in 2016, styling celebrities including DJ Zinhle, Khutso Theledi, Shame from YFM, Tumi "The Barber", Dineo Moloisane and Mizz Dee.

The COVID-19 pandemic forced him to close the boutique, but he reinvented himself by combining fashion styling with professional MC work under the Da Style Guru brand.

"I realised I loved talking, connecting with people and making people feel good. My business boomed. I was booked left, right and centre."

In 2022, Mavimbela relocated permanently to Delmas after accepting a position with the Department of Health.

His growing reputation led Pretoria designer Ronnie Ron to approach him to collaborate on a custom outfit for the 2026 Durban July.

"We wanted something timeless that people could still admire years from now. Fashion shouldn't just follow trends; it should tell a story."

The grey suit, inspired by 1970s tailoring and complemented by crystal detailing and maroon accessories, attracted widespread attention.

"When we arrived, the attention was unbelievable. Journalists wanted interviews, photographers kept stopping us and everyone wanted pictures."

The look was featured by fashion photographer ArtOn Artwork, platforms including Boom Town and Comfort, and received coverage from iKwekwezi FM.

"The designer posted the pictures, celebrities reposted them and people across the country started sharing them. Together with Tumi 'The Barber', our pictures reached around 41,000 likes."

Looking ahead, Mavimbela hopes to establish a public relations and branding agency to mentor aspiring stylists, MCs, DJs, models and artists.

"Dream big. It doesn't matter where you come from. Keep knocking on doors, keep learning and never stop believing in yourself."

For Da Style Guru, the 2026 Durban July was more than a fashion showcase. It was a milestone that reflected years of perseverance and reinforced his belief that style is about confidence, authenticity and telling a story.