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SONA attendees supporting local with their red carpet outfits

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The annual State of the Nation Address (SONA) is more than just a significant political event; it’s also a showcase of South African fashion that many South Africans look forward to seeing. The Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, has urged those attending the 2025 SONA on 6 February, to support local designers. Here’s a look at some of the red carpet outfits of tonight’s SONA.

Minister wearing two-piece overall

Minister Buti Manamela. Image by x.com/SAgovnews

Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, donned a very unique outfit – a two-piece overall! Cape Town’s Northlink TVET College students designed the outfit.

Minister Ntshavheni explains why she supports local brands

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni wore a dress by Rubicon Clothing by Hangwani Nengovhela. In the following video she explains why it is important to support and wear local brands:

Ntshavheni was appointed as Minister of Presidency from 3 July 2024. She also held this position from 6 March 2023 to 19 June 2024.

Attendees on the red carpet

Here’s a look at some of the red carpet highlights of tonight’s SONA.

Thoko Didiza, Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa. Image by Facebook/GovernmentZA
Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane, Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa. Image by Facebook/GovernmentZA
Former President of South Africa Kgalema Motlanthe and his wife Ms Gugu Mtshali. Image by x.com/GovernmentZA
Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis and his wife Carla Hill-Lewis. Image by x.com/ParliamentofRSA

Imbongifor the 2025 SONA

Tonight’s imbongi, Inako Mateza, is an esteemed Xhosa-speaking poet who has been honoured with one of the important elements of the SONA since the start of democracy. Mateza said she was ecstatic about being chosen to be the imbongiat this year’s SONA.Â

An imbongiÂis a poet who writes and recites praise poems, or izibongo, in honour of an important figure.Â

Inako Mateza. Image by x.com/GovernmentZA

‘Being chosen as an imbongiÂto welcome the President in Parliament means a lot to me because firstly, I’m a young person who embraces culture and tradition at a time where young people are focused and celebrated for amapiano music.ÂSo, for me being the imbongithat will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic,’ she said.Â

Were you curious to see this year’s SONA outfits or is that something that does not interest you?

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