IN PICTURES: MPs walk the red carpet ahead of #SONA2017

As the EFF protested outside Parliament, MPs and guests arrived ahead of this year’s State of the Nation address.

A highlight of the address is often seeing parliamentarians walk the red carpet in all their finery.

• LIVE: Protests as MPs arrive on the red carpet ahead of #SONA2017President Jacob Zuma is delivering his 2017 State of the Nation address in the National Assembly in Cape Town on Thursday evening. Follow our live blog for all the latest from #SONA2017 

Below are some of the highlights:

FF Plus leader Pieter Groenewald and his wife Hedwig arrive for #SONA2017pic.twitter.com/3uyxxOdsaJ

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

Farren Collins 

DA leader Mmusi Maimane and his wife Natalie. Photo: Farren Collins

Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Athol Trollip and his wife Janine. Photo: Esa Alexander

ANC MP Tsapane Mampuru and her daughter arrive for #SONA2017pic.twitter.com/sANrJvluKp

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

ANC MP Makhosi Khoza in black for #SONA2017pic.twitter.com/xxDcswWNt1

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 Nqabayomzi Kwankwa from the UDM. pic.twitter.com/r8H8bHGRx2

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

Farren Collins 

Mpumalanga MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu. Photo: Farren Collins

Dave Chambers 

ANC MP Duduzile Manana with her partner. Photo: Farren Collins

Farren Collins

ANC MP Grace Tseke. Photo: Farren Collins

Farren Collins

Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande and his wife Phumelele. Photo: Farren Collins

EFF MPs including Floyd Shivambu and Godrich Gardee arrive for #SONA2017pic.twitter.com/YonrUWgBSa

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

Esa Alexander

NCOP's select committee on security and justice, chairperson Dumisani Ximbi and his wife Ntombethemba. Photo: Esa Alexander

#SONA2017 Dali Tambo and his wife have arrived. pic.twitter.com/uI6V8NfVKs

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 The red carpet is hotting up. This is MP Pule Mabe and his wife. pic.twitter.com/exltcA0XoN

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 Jackson Mthembu, the ANC chief whip, has arrived with his two daughters Thuli and Khabo. pic.twitter.com/aUYGs1KKpe

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

DA MP Terri Stander at #SONA2017pic.twitter.com/8WL4hddYlT

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 Thoko Didiza rocks the red carpet. pic.twitter.com/kBWQ55RnXn

— Bianca Capazorio (@wordnerd212) February 9, 2017

Esa Alexander

Mandla Mandela and his pregnant wife Rabia Clarke. Photo: Esa Alexander

#SONA2017 Every colour in the rainbow. pic.twitter.com/SdXaIAog8g

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 Premier Helen Zille has arrived wearing an off the rack brand called Hiphop. pic.twitter.com/O6gm6uDbgi

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 Deputy Minister Thoko Xasa is wearing the prettiest shade of pink. pic.twitter.com/jyrvU6kcqR

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

#SONA2017 Minister Lindiwe Zulu is dressed by her designer daughter Phindele. pic.twitter.com/jVLj12jStB

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017

IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi. Photo: Farren Collins

#SONA2017 Arts and culture minister Nathi Mtethwa coordinated his look with his wife tonight. pic.twitter.com/EPjS4eyGKT

— Qaanitah Hunter (@QaanitahHunter) February 9, 2017