Celebrating different South African cultures is the dress code at this year’s State of the Nation Address in Cape Town. A number of MP’s and ordinary people have started arriving in Parliament to hear the address, donned in the traditional gear and the latest fashion.
Congress of the People (COPE) Member of Parliament Nosimo Balindlela is dressed in Xhosa regalia with no shoes. She says her look is inspired by poor people who arealwaysdressed in traditional clothes. “I am remembering people who we will be talking about here, to show them that we have not forgotten about them.”
Sindi Chikunda from the Mpumalanga legislature draped in a sari, a traditional Indian attire, says her look is inspired by the Indian people because she wanted to look South African.
Dali Tambo’s wife Rachel is also dressed in a Xhosa outfit. Another MP Noluthando Qikane is also wearing a Xhosa outfit. Democratic Alliance MP Denise Robertson dressed in a blue and green attire says her outfit was created by a company called Bayede, a company aimed at job creation in the country.
DA MP Lindiwe Mazibuko is wearing a dress created by KLukCGDT. She says she wanted to be proudly South African and wanted a dress created in the country. But, a number of people have criticized the dress calling her a fairy God mother and Tinkerbell.
The men were a little suttle, dressed in suits and t-shirts. Contralesa leader Phakamisa Holomisa arrived dressed in a simple black top and black pants
Statistician General Pali Lehohla followed suite wearing a bright yellow top and black trousers. Dali Tambo also wore a black top and a trouser which matched well with his wife’s outfit.
All eyes are now on what the first ladies will wear. They are expected to arrive in parliament soon. President Jacob Zuma is expected to deliver his State of the Nation Address at 7pm.
– By Palesa Kobedi and Luvuyo Mndeni, Parliament
