#SONA on a point of fashion order

The South African State of the Nation Address (Sona) held at Parliament in Cape Town on Thursday may have been focused on political topics, but with every important event comes important fashion moments.

South African politicians did not disappoint as they swapped their pencil skirts for ball gowns and traditional dress, their overalls for tuxedos when they turned out for President Jacob Zuma’s address.

From Public Protector Advocate Thuli Madonsela’s canary yellow gown to the long gold dress of Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba’s wife — Noma, designer Gert-Johan Coetzee dominated the red carpet.
Thuli and Noma were the most-photographed women at the event, and regarded by many as the best-dressed.

As Thuli walked on the red carpet, the media jostled for her attention, shouting, “Thuli, Thuli” trying to get an interview with her.

The Public Protector said she loved her dress which was quickly compared to that worn by Bonang Matheba at the Durban July last year.

But Madonsela said hers was a “celebration” dress after the Constitutional Court hearing into the Nkandla debacle.

“Tuesday was great not because the winner takes it all, it was great because we all came together to embrace the constitution,” said Madonsela.

“Ultimately the judges will decide but ultimately there was a spirit of understanding and a spirit of accepting the supremacy of the Constitution and the notion that no one is above the law,” she said.

“I like gold; that’s why I wore it,” said Noma.

Coetzee also dressed Deputy Minister of Agriculture Bheki Cele’s wife, Thembeka, who opted for a blue strapless number that matched her husband’s suit.

Precious Moloi-Motsepe, chairman of African Fashion International, wore a black skirt, blouse and matching heels when she walked the red carpet with her mining mogul husband Patrice Motsepe.

Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula’s wife, Nozuko, dazzled in her red dress, paired with nude Christian Louboutin heels.

DA leader Mmusi Maimane’s wife, Natalie, also impressed in pale blue. Older MPs mainly opted for safe traditional outfits, while some dared to try out looks that left many shrugging on social media. These included Minister of Science and Technology Naledi Pandor, who wore a bronze skirt and a blouse with floral detail.

For the younger maidens like Zamaphemba Ntuli, a guest of Mpumalanga MP Pat Sibande, it was about showing off what your momma gave you.

Ntuli arrived in a white top and pencil skirt, paired with animal-print heels. She topped her outfit with isigcolo (Zulu hat).

But it was Mandla Mandela, grandson of Nelson Mandela, who got tongues wagging. He arrived, not with his new bride, Rabia, whom he married at the weekend, but with his third “wife”, Swazi princess Nodiyala Mbali Makhathini. Their wedding was annulled in court following an application from his estranged first wife. However, they are believed to have been living together in Mvezo. — TimesLive.