Madonsela steals the show at #SONA2016

While president Jacob Zuma’s legal team appeared to sing like a canary in court this week, on Thursday, Thuli Madonsela was resplendent in bright yellow as she made her way to State of the Nation Address (SONA) in Parliament.

Watch the highlights from #SONA2016

The public protector made her way down the grey streets towards the Cape Town political landmark, with a grace and deportment that would put many a beauty queen to shame.

When asked by a journalist if her sunny choice of colour was symbolic for friendship - she instead replied: "It is the colour of victory".

Her long formal gown boasted a floaty train and elaborate beaded detailing over chiffon inlays.

Earlier, Madonsela tweeted her thanks to fashion designer Gert Johan Coetzee for the gown, adding: “Hope I do justice to it today”.

Meanwhile, other parliamentarians also made their sartorial contribution to the traditional fashion extravaganza that marks the SONA.

Clearly bouncing back from her recent controversy over a Facebook post, Democratic Alliance MP Dianne Kohler Barnard dressed up for a big night out in a black sleeveless dress, green beaded necklace and drop earrings, as well as a paisley pashmina and blinged-up silver clutch.

Presiding officer Thoko Didiza matched her Oros-orange mermaid tall skirt with a west African style printed fitted top and, of course, the all important accreditation lanyard and tag.

Meanwhile among the first Economic Freedom Fighter cadres to arrive there was a wide variety of symphonic variations on their traditional red theme. Leader Julius Malema and Dali Mpofu both clearly looked in the mirror and felt good when they chose their usual overalls – as did many of their supporters.

EFF MP Magdalene Munusamy wore  a deep V-necked jumpsuit, while other party parliamentarians were seen wearing a domestic worker outfit, a Steve Biko T-shirt and a roaringly red kufi (traditional Islamic hat), respectively.

Despite the possible political pitfalls, even Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula’s wife, Nozuko couldn’t resist the allure of the ruby hue.  She happily posed for the cameras in her off the shoulder gypsy-style dress with bow detail.

Making sure not to upstage his spouse, Mbalula himself, chose to stick to a classic suit in dark colours.

However, a number of couples did not shy away from matching.  Among those taking pleasure in perfectly co-ordinating sets of attires were Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba and his wife in glittering gold accents.

Mandla Mandela left his recently-wed fourth wife at home, in favour of his third - with whom he matched in earthy afro-chic tones. 

Current deputy agriculture minister Bheki Cele’s wife, wore layers of chiffon that cascaded like waves of azure – while he ensured that even he matched up all the way, including ensuring his trademark fedora was a dusty Cerulean.

Meanwhile, Western Cape Premier Helen Zille chose a deep blue for her gown, happily posing with pals on the red carpet.

But perhaps the brightest blue was seen sparkling on ANC MP Dumisani Ximba who wore a smurf-blue military style double-breasted suit, resplendent with mustard tassled paulettes and topped overall with a cream Bermuda hat. 

Although she is expected to keep a steady hand on proceedings, in terms of fashion, speaker Baleka Mbete went for a softer look, decked out in bridal-inspired knee length frock.

Source News 24