No-nonsense DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko elegantly twirled for the cameras to show off her ballerina-like pink outfit.

Mazibuko, who customised a Malcolm Klûk and Christian Gabriel du Toit sleeveless dress for the occasion, said she enjoyed choosing different elements. She said it was "essential" to "expose the brilliance" of local designers.

"It's comfortable, beautiful and fun," she said.

De Lille arrived in a coral House of Monatic tangerine suit and floral scarf. She said she liked the brightly coloured outfit as it was something she could wear again. But true to form, she pointed out that factories such House of Monatic would only be kept afloat if people supported them.

Mthembu, looking dashing in a suit that he's had in his cupboard for some time, said he expected Zuma to speak about job creation. Then, on a lighter note, he said he could not wait for the gala dinner.

In fact, Mthembu even invited a journalist to attend and had an invitation delivered to her.

DA MP Denise Robinson opted for a turquoise and green Bayede ensemble.

She was accompanied by Bayede CEO Antoinette Vermooten. The Bayede "Royal Luxury" brand was established to help alleviate poverty. It is endorsed by King Goodwill Zwelithini and Her Royal Highness, Queen Mantfombi Zulu.

"It creates jobs for women. I am delighted to wear something that creates jobs," said Robertson.

Many did not shop specifically for the event, but the ACDP's Cheryllyn Dudley certainly did. She went as far as Bangkok to find a Marc Jacobs polka-dot dress to match a pair of shoes she bought locally.

Former correctional services deputy minister Loretta Jacobus matched the red carpet but did not disappear in a red multi-layered flamenco dress dripping with gold accessories.

DA leader Helen Zille confidently sashayed past the cameras in a flowing multicoloured floor-length Hendrik Vermeulen number.

An MP who had jaws dropping as she walked on the red carpet was the ANC's Pinky Ncube, who definitely had no qualms showing off her tattoo and ample cleavage, which overwhelmed her frilly red frock.

Parliamentary spokesman Luzoko Jacobs said that after the formalities, the who's who of South Africa's politics would mingle with "members of the public" at the gala dinner.

The dinner was moved back to parliament because the Cape Town Convention Centre, where it had been held before, was hosting the Mining Indaba.