The red carpet at Cape Town City Hall which played host to the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday night, resembled the pages of a glossy magazine, as guests showcased the work of local designers while also helping to grow jobs.
Government Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and hundreds of attendees displayed striking ensembles from the country’s finest local designers.
True to this year’s “Wear Local at SONA” initiative, attendees did not disappoint - proudly wearing their South African garments.
The SONA not only served as a platform for President Cyril Ramaphosa to provide updates on the government’s programmes and set the agenda for the new year, but also as a stage for Members of Parliament (MPs) and prominent figures to put their best foot forward.
The “Wear Local at SONA” initiative aimed to promote the local fashion industry by urging the nation’s leaders to showcase fashion that is designed and manufactured in South Africa during the SONA.
Parliament initiated the Proudly South African campaign, an official initiative encouraging the purchase of local products to support the domestic fashion industry.
Proudly South Africa believes that the movement plays a significant role in job creation, economic growth, and promoting South African pride, especially in the retail–clothing, textile, footwear, and leather (R-CTFL) sector.
The Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, looked stunning in her figure-hugging elegant dress from Rubicon Clothing, designed by Hangwani Nengovhela.
“It’s important for us to support the local brands because that’s how we grow the economy. The creative industry is one of the largest and fastest growing industries globally, so we need to support our own,” she told SAnews.
Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina showcased her stunning Xhosa-inspired apparel, made by local self-taught seamstress Zoleka Vicky Magwaca from the Mthatha Art Centre in Eastern Cape.
“This woman didn’t go to any design school and is naturally gifted. Every bead and button has meaning,” said a beaming Majodina.
Freedom Front Plus MP, Dr Corné Mulder, styled by fashion expert Fanie Cronje, wore a suit made of 100% pure wool from Your Pal Men’s Boutique at Brooklyn Mall, Pretoria.
Mulder’s wife, Alma, wore an elegant gown made from luxurious colored satin, designed by George Stander, a Cape Town-based designer and owner of Leocé.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, who is known for his well-tailored local suits and crisp white shirts, maintained his sophisticated style at this year’s SONA.
“First of all, I’m not supporting the local designers for the sake of supporting. But I’m supporting Maake because he’s competent and gifted and because when you say, I want this by this time, you’ll get it by this time. It’s not a public stunt but it’s someone who’s capable and delivers on time and of course, it’s also about affordability,” he told SAnews.
Meanwhile, Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela graced the red carpet in a two-piece overall designed by students from Cape Town’s Northlink Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College.
Jobs
This year’s fashion police and founder of the Feather Awards, Thami Kotlolo, also known as ’Thami Dish’, stated that they have been receiving positive feedback and a warm welcome for their initiative, which aims to create job opportunities for South African designers and the fashion industry.
“When you speak to different Ministers, you start shaping a way on how important [it is] to understand how fashion is. We’re not saying not to buy other brands, but we need to support our local designers because we have incredible stuff in the country,” he told SAnews.
According to Thami Dish, the fashion industry contributes significantly to the global economy, valued at over US$1.7 trillion.
He was wearing a design made from recycled uber fabric, paired with an orange traditional Tsonga skirt crafted from wool.
“It’s important to keep that rand circulating in the country and within our families and building homes and taking care of families.”
He mentioned that many designers appreciate the initiative, which has created opportunities for them to showcase their designs.
“The trends right now globally are moving towards the ivory colours – the oranges, the pinks, the blacks. But I think the trend now is wearing South African designers,” the fashion police said. – SAnews.gov.za
