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
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.
[WATCH] Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister, Buti Manamela, talks about his unique attire at the #SONA2025 red carpet. He tells https://t.co/C0DGTrl8ZT that his two-piece overall was designed by the Cape Town’s Northlink TVET College students.#SONA#ProudlySouthAfrican… pic.twitter.com/ROppgFkrGf
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) February 6, 2025
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:
[WATCH] Minister in the Presidency @Khu_Ntshavheni dressed by Rubicon Clothing by Hangwani Nengovhela. She explains why it’s important to support and wear local brands. #SONA2025 #SONARedCarpert pic.twitter.com/pt92jLsbew
— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) February 6, 2025
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.
Members of Parliament and guests arriving at the Cape Town City Hall for #SONA2025 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/olwLE6F7tB
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025
#SONA2025 | Guests and dignitaries arrive at Cape Town city hall ahead of State of the Nation Address#GovZAUpdates #ServiceDeliveryZA pic.twitter.com/6oceyV6xoF
— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2025
Imbongi for 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 imbongi at this year’s SONA.
An imbongi is a poet who writes and recites praise poems, or izibongo, in honour of an important figure.
‘Being chosen as an imbongi to 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. So, for me being the imbongi that will be welcoming President Cyril Ramaphosa makes me feel ecstatic,’ she said.
Were you curious to see this year’s SONA outfits or is that something that does not interest you?
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