Cape Town – Members of Parliament, Ministers and VIP guests showed off their designer apparel on the red carpet, ahead of President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address.
The President is expected to deliver his speech to the nation at 7pm in the National Assembly.
Small Business Development Minister Lindiwe Zulu showed she meant business when she graced the red carpet with a tailored black dress, fused with traditional beads.
The Minister said the dress was designed by her daughter, who accompanied her to the event, wearing a yellow dress with similar beads.
“My daughter designed this when I said I wanted a dress for the State of the Nation Address,” she said.
Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula looked dapper and was sporting a navy blue suit, with a matching tie on the red carpet.
Asked who designed his outfit, the Minister dribbled past reporters and said: “My outfit is what I wear every day. It is nothing special for today because this is what I wear to work every day. This is my uniform,” he said.
International Relations and Cooperation Deputy Minister Nomaindiya Mfeketo took the #SONA2016 international with her stylish red dress.
She smiled in acknowledgement when she was showered with compliments from a large contingent of journalists.
Other guests that set the red carpet alight include Member of Parliament Inkosi Mandla Mandela in a traditional IsiXhosa attire, while another Member of Parliament Reverend Kenneth Meshoe showed one can never go wrong with black, with his black suit, black tie and black shirt.
Public Protector Thuli Madonsela wowed in a bright yellow gown, which had a long-sleeved sheer bodice with lace, cinched waist and a long trail. She took time speaking to media which had gathered to capture the glamour of the occasion.
Other Ministers spotted arriving to Parliament included Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane wearing a black and white formal dress and Communications Minister Faith Muthambi who wore a mesh yellow dress.
Former President Thabo Mbeki and his wife Zanele, looking gorgeous in a bright yellow, knee-length dress with a black cardigan and brooch draped over her shoulders, have also arrived.
Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng has also made his way inside Parliament.
Speaker of the National Assembly Baleka Mbete wore a pale lilac lace dress and Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces Thandi Modise have arrived.
Two First Ladies, Sizakele Khumalo and Tobeka Madiba Zuma are also in attendance.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has started the procession towards Parliament. The Military Band is playing outside the National Assembly. – SAnews.gov.za
