Share

From overalls to designer-wear, Sona’s red carpet’s hotter than ever

accreditation

Politicians and special guests rocked the red carpet outside Parliament ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s state of the nation address.

Sona fashion has vastly improved over the years, with the men taking more risks (not always on point) than the women who insist on wearing overly embellished outfits.

Here are some of the favourites as well as those that made South Africa cringe.

1.


This year we found a rather conservative-looking Dali and Rachel. I’m not sure whether to feel disappointed or relieved. Mrs Tambo chose to wear a black and white Marianne Fassler gown with her husband and their son Oliver by her side. Let’s all pretend that we’re not noticing her pageant hair.

2.


A much slimmer ANC MP Pule Mabe wore the most boring suit known to man to show off his successful diet. Mabe says he finally decided to lay off the junk food. #NewYearNewMe! Hleki Mabe, who wore a beautiful metallic lace dress, accompanied her husband.

3.


Gasp! Every year without fail Mandla Mandela makes the best-dressed list. He wore traditional Xhosa attire with his pregnant wife Rabia Clarke. The chief of Mvezo village says he makes sure he always captures his culture and tradition on the red carpet, which is inspired by his community. Twitter didn’t miss the fact that he wore the same shoes as last year though.

4.


The ANC’s Dikeledi Mahlangu brought life to the red carpet in her yellow and green dress. Her head was donned with a gele (Nigerian head gear) with green sheer mesh over a printed yellow dress. Also can we please acknowledge the fact that she wore massive gold hoop earrings to the opening of Parliament?

5.


Sigh. Fighter Leigh-Ann Mathys opted to be physically part of the red carpet wearing the Economic Freedom Fighters’ trademark overalls and a T-shirt that read “fear nothing”.

6.


Leader of the official opposition party Mmusi Maimane decided to look the same as every other day (rolls eyes) with his wife Natalie wearing an effortless boring off-the-shoulder black dress.

7.


Another red carpet favourite was the DA’s national spokesperson Phumzile van Damme, who always makes an effort and can never be seen without red lipstick. She wore a blue print cape top and doek with navy-blue pants.

8.


National Freedom Party leader Zanele Magwaza-Msibi wore a perfectly beaded peplum red gown with sneakers!

9.


Cape Town mayor Patricia de Lille as unconventional as ever said comfort was important to her, which is why she decided to wear this colourful abaya she bought a while ago.

10.


It would be highly insulting to compile this list without mentioning Minister of Sport and Recreation Fikile Mbalula. The minister wore brogues with a dark checked suit from his wardrobe. He made it clear that he wore this suit to the boxing awards. Sorry Twitter!



We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Do you believe that the various planned marches against load shedding will prompt government to bring solutions and resolve the power crisis?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes
21% - 103 votes
No
79% - 392 votes
Vote