The annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa marks its unique milestone, celebrating 30 years of democracy. The event is set to clarify political and socio-economic developments in the stable democracy for the previous year as well as set policy objectives for the upcoming year, addressing barriers to unlock nation’s potential while highlighting administration achievements.
Although the event’s is to address the country social issues, there’s always high anticipation of the red-carpet glitz and glam where politicians, South African A-lister celebrities, and invited guests show off their looks for the cameras.
This year’s theme, “Proudly South African,” aims to showcase and celebrate the importance of supporting local businesses and industries in the clothing and textiles sector in South Africa.
Members of Parliament came dressed in clothes designed by local designers. Minister of Small Business Development came dressed in a white isiXhosa dress with a natural hair do with beads.
Here are some of the looks seen at the SONA 2024
Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, House Chairperson of the National assembly, Grace Boroto and the Deputy Chief Whip, Doris Dlakude all looked gorgeous in elegant dresses that suited their figures perfectly. Nosiviwe also paired her green dress that has a gold lace top with a greed head gear.
Praise singer and poet Senziwe Hatty Maliba also known as Nkosatane Nziwe hails from Mpumalanga was the praise poet who ushered the president into the chamber. Senziwe looked gorgeous in a Swati wrap around, pairing it with a Swati neck piece and walked barefoot.
The men at the SONA also did not disappoint. Minister of Police Bheki Cele donned a navy-blue suit pairing it with a white shirt, a blue tie and of course, his signature black hat. He was captures shaking hands with Minister of Electricity Kgosientsho Ramokqopa who work a black suit.
Other members of parliament arriving in Cape Town for the State of the Nation Address in their colourful Xhosa traditional attire.
Grammy award winning DJ and producer, Nkosinathi Maphumulo, popularly known as DJ Black Coffee was also among the SONA attendees. He was pictured with his son wearing a black top and a black blazer while donning a neck brace recovering from injuries sustained during a plane accident in Argentina.
South Africa’s women’s national football team Head coach, Desiree Ellis dressed in a gold chic dress and paired it with gold sandals and a clutch bag that matches.
Minister Lindiwe Zulu added a locally made bag created by the Cape Town Association of the Blind, which was retouched by her daughter.
Sticking to the Proudly SA theme Minister Lindiwe Zulu tells us about her locally made dress and purse. She also touches on how the Department of Social Development is working to better South Africa. #SONA2024 pic.twitter.com/BWre7Mg5qn
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 8, 2024
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