Publications
Partners
In 2017, Advocate Thuli Madonsela won the SONA red carpet in a canary yellow Gert-Johan Coetzee gown, and ever since then we've all made sure to keep an even closer watch on parliament's red carpet lest we miss other outstanding style moments.
READ MORE: The SONA 2018 red carpet - finally a stylish, happy place!
And last year, after a postponement due to pressure for Jacob Zuma to resign as president, South Africans watched the red carpet and the address with much excitement and Ramaphoria as MPs, esteemed reporters and several more high society women paraded their SONA looks.
The First Lady Tshepo Motsepe, Raabia Clarke, Nozuko Mbalula, Cathy Mohlahlana and Thembeka Ngcobo were among some of our favourite appearances at #SONA2018. And we're looking forward to seeing them exude sophistication once again this year.
Here's what we think they should wear at SONA 2019:
Dr Tshepo Motsepe
Last year, our First Lady opted for a classic cropped blazer and voluminous skirt ensemble. As such, suits and all things brocade seem to be part of her style DNA.
That's why we think a custom blazer and dress in this fabric by Thula Sindi would be a win on this year's red carpet:
Or maybe she'll take a risk and go for something a little more dramatic by Orapeleng Modutle.
READ MORE: We went shopping for the new First Lady Tshepo Motsepe - and this is what we got!
Raabia Clarke
Raabia Clarke and her husband Mandla Mandela usually wear coordinating traditional regalia.
#SONA2018 Mandla Mandela @Klankkoerant pic.twitter.com/ZSoZpmjgNJ
— Anton Meijer (@antonnies) February 16, 2018
We hope they've given Rich Factory a call this year.
Nozuko Mbalula
Mrs Mbalula looked memorable in solid emerald green at #SONA2018.
Min Fikile Mbalula and his wife Nozuko make their entrance at #SONA2018 pic.twitter.com/Kil08476e3
— Christina Pitt (@ChristinaPitt94) February 16, 2018
How about some prints from Sindiso Khumalo this year?
Yes, with the gloves too and some Philip Treacy-esque headgear.
Norma Gigaba
Mrs Gigabyte, as she's affectionately known, has a good track record of standout dresses. Will she give the people what they want again in 2019? We think so.
And Gert-Johan Coetzee should be her designer of choice.
Thembeka Ngcobo
Bheki Cele's partner proved last year that a little late afternoon sparkle has never hurt nobody.
#SONA2018 Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries Beki Cele and his wife on the red carpet pic.twitter.com/u71hHXzZa4
— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) February 16, 2018
We think she also wouldn't mind this Orapeleng number - reimagined with lining to suit the occasion.
Baleka Mbete
Burgundy was the Speaker of the National Assembly's hue in 2018, but it's time someone creates a stir in yellow again since 2017.
So perhaps a gown in this cut? We hope Quiteria & George are on this for her.
Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.
