Who wore what at the SONA: Red carpet edition

At the SONA 2025, local fashion took centre stage, with many attendees showcasing stunning outfits designed by South African designers.

The ‘Wear Local at SONA’ campaign, a collaboration between Parliament and Proudly South African, encouraged guests to wear locally made garments, promoting the country’s fashion industry and supporting local talent.

Some notable outfits from the red carpet:

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s Elegant Dress: A figure-hugging dress from Rubicon Clothing, designed by Hangwani Nengovhela.

[WATCH] Minister in the Presidency @Khu_Ntshavheni dressed by Rubicon Clothing by Hangwani Nengovhela. She explains why it’s important to support and wear local brands. #SONA2025 #SONARedCarpert pic.twitter.com/pt92jLsbew

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) February 6, 2025

Minister Pemmy Majodina’s Xhosa-Inspired Apparel: A beautiful outfit made by local self-taught seamstress Zoleka Vicky Magwaca from the Mthatha Art Centre in Eastern Cape.

[Watch] Water and Sanitation minister Pemmy Majodina tells the story of her fashion designer, who has been struggling with access to water in Mthatha, Eastern Cape. @JusstAlpha #SONA2025 pic.twitter.com/JsRvJPQf4x

— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) February 6, 2025

The Deputy Minister of Higher Education and Training, Buti Manamela, wore a stylish two-piece overall designed by students from Cape Town’s Northlink Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College

#SONA2025 | Higher Education and Training Deputy Minister Buti Manamela graced the red carpet in a two-piece overall designed by students from Cape Town’s Northlink Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College. #WearLocalatSONA pic.twitter.com/APbX5uMVQp

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 7, 2025

Inako Mateza, the 19-year-old Xhosa praise singer who ushered President Cyril Ramaphosa at the SONA 2025, wore traditional isiXhosa regalia. This stunning outfit showcased her cultural heritage and added a touch of elegance to the event.

 

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A post shared by Inako Mateza (@inakomateza)

Here are other outfits to check out:

[WATCH] MPs and invited guests on the #SONA2025 red carpet. pic.twitter.com/JRn4RxTm8H

— @SAgovnews (@SAgovnews) February 6, 2025

These outfits not only showcased the country’s rich cultural heritage but also highlighted the importance of supporting local designers and the fashion industry.

Also see:Eastern Cape poet Inako Mateza steals people’s heart at SONA