Yes, it had its solemn side. But the opening of parliament wasn't a drab affair

ALL roads led to Cape Town this week for the red carpet do at the opening of parliament.

Arriving for President Jacob Zuma's state of the nation address there were the usual "prefects," Home Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Justice Minister Jeff Radebe and Minister in the Presidency Trevor Manuel - they'd had all been there before and arrived looking like they were there for the business of government.

Then there were those who arrived like eager beaver schoolchildren back after a long holiday. Some had made an effort - good or bad - with their outfits and created a lively atmosphere as they walked down the carpet.

The social butterfly of the day was undoubtedly MP Pamela Tshwete, widow of former Minister of Safety and Security, Steve Tshwete.

Sporting a short grey off-the-shoulder number, she was all over the chambers kissing, hugging and dishing out high fives.

She amused photographers with a few Hollywood-style poses on the carpet - energetic for her age, I thought.

Minister of Public Enterprise Malusi Gigaba definitely brightened things up with his yellow-collared white shirt and equally bright yellow laces on his black shoes.

The ever-stylish Minister of Defence, Lindiwe Sisulu, avoided the red carpet, opting to sneak in through a back door -but I caught a glimpse of her and she looked lovely. In fine style, she went for trendy colour blocking with a bright pink and red combo shift dress matched with pink stilettos decorated with lime bow ties. It was so disappointing that she managed to avoided the cameras.

For me, the shocker award has to go to MP Pinky Mncube, who rocked up in a red dress that showed off her very generous cleavage - even flaunting a red rose tattoo on one of her boobs. It was so not in good taste, dear honourable member!

In his usual Fabiani suit, Tony Yengeni arrived hand in hand with his wife Lumka. I had to laugh when she tried to distract me from her dress and gently nudged me towards her Louis Vuitton clutch and matching LV patent platforms.

Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi was quick to point out that he not only paid for his wife Thelma's elegant asymmetrical, one-shoulder outfit but also chose it for her during a trip to Thailand.

Once all the formalities were done, it was party time for a "select" group of 1 500 guests at a banquet in a marquee on the grounds of parliament.

It was an impressively modest sit-down dinner - impressive in that the government was mindful of the recession - but thankfully our president livened matters up when he took to the dance floor.

In no time, Western Cape premier Helen Zille, Zuma's wives Thobeka Madiba, Nompumelelo Ntuli and fiancée, Bongi Ngema also hit the floor. Even the honourable speaker Max Sisulu showed off a few moves.

Menu: 7/10 - A starter of seared linefish drizzled with sun-dried tomato pesto and cream cheese on lettuce.

The main course included a delicious chicken breast stuffed with spinach and feta. The dessert was cheese cake with fresh berries.

Decor: 5/10 - Simple but elegant, with mostly white draping with a touch of black.

Vibe: 8/10 - The performance by Freshlyground was awesome and very few people managed to stay in their seats, including the president.