The Glits Glammer of the Durban July and meeting the 400 series
The Durban July is more than a horse race — it’s a cultural moment, fusing fashion, lifestyle, and South African vibrancy. This year, global tech brand Honor made its debut at the event, adding innovation to the mix.
“We believe the Durban July perfectly embodies the combination of culture, lifestyle, and energy,” said Fredo, CEO of Honor South Africa. “That aligns with our Honor 400 and 400 Pro, devices that blend design and innovation for modern consumers.”
From #2 to #1: Honor’s Big South African Ambition
Honor has quickly secured the second-largest smartphone market share in South Africa — a major achievement. But they’re aiming higher.
“Our goal is to become number one by 2028,” Fredo revealed.
To achieve this, Honor is investing $10 billion globally over the next five years, evolving from a smartphone brand into an AI-powered ecosystem company. This includes devices for every price point — from flagships to affordable options — all enhanced by integrated AI features.
An Ecosystem That Actually Works — Across Platforms
One of Honor’s strongest innovations is its open, flexible ecosystem. Unlike other brands locked into closed systems, Honor champions cross-platform compatibility.
- Devices (phones, laptops, tablets, wearables) operate on open Android platforms
- Seamless collaboration with other Android brands — and even iPhones
- Launch of Magic Ring, a feature that connects multiple Honor devices to share files, notifications, and functions smoothly
“You can move files from iPhone to Honor. We’re the first Android brand to do that,” Fredo proudly stated.
Magic Ring enables a fluid multi-device experience — from phone to laptop to tablet — all without leaving the ecosystem or changing platforms.
More Than Business: Honor’s Community Investment in Durban
While many brands show up for the spotlight, Honor came to Durban to make a real impact.
Through its “Code with Honor” initiative, the company is:
- Donating tech (smartphones, tablets, laptops) to underserved communities
- Empowering youth in rural and urban areas through digital literacy programs
- Partnering with GoDigital South Africa to build cyber labs and tech classrooms
Spotlight on Lemonville Investment
Last year, Honor donated R300,000 worth of devices to support digital education in Durban. This year, they did it again, contributing another R300,000 in tech to the Lemonville Youth Centre.
“We want to be a bridge between South Africa and China,” Fredo said. “Not just by selling smartphones, but by investing in people and potential.”
The Verdict: Honor is Here, and It’s Not Playing Small
HONOR is steadily building more than just market share in South Africa—they’re creating lasting impact through innovation, openness, and community upliftment. From the glitz of the Durban July to grassroots tech education, they’re proving that a tech brand can be both cutting-edge and socially responsible.
We look forward to seeing how HONOR continues to rise, and if their track record is any indication, that number one spot might come sooner than expected.