WATCH | Power, glam, and politics: Sona 2025’s red carpet steals the spotlight

The red carpet at the State of the Nation Address (Sona) is more than just a walkway – it’s a runway of power, prestige, and political statements.

As South Africa’s leaders, dignitaries, and VIPs arrive at Cape Town’s City Hall tonight, all eyes will be on their fashion choices, from bold traditional attire to sleek designer ensembles.

Who will dazzle, who will surprise, and who will miss the mark? As the guests arrive, let’s dive into the looks of Sona 2025’s red carpet.

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18:00

Executive Mayor of the City of Cape Town, Mr Geordin Hill-Lewis and his wife Carla Hill-Lewis, arrive at the Cape Town City Hall ahead of #SONA2025 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ReU7tGPV5x

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

Former Deputy President, Ms Baleka Mbete and her husband, Mr Moses Mokgatle Khomo arrive at the Cape Town City Hall ahead #SONA2025 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/HiLKbIRUyM

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and National Council of Provinces Chairperson Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane arrive for #SONA2025 #ThePeoplesSona2025 pic.twitter.com/pSJKpS8D1R

— eNCA (@eNCA) February 6, 2025

Chief Justice Mandisa Maya arrives at the Cape Town City Hall ahead of #SONA2025 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/tyXGvinttM

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

Former President Kgalema Montlante and his wife Ms Gugu Mtshali arrive at the Cape Town City Hall ahead of #SONA2025 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/0Yanf9BlRi

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

Deputy President Paul Mashatile and the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Dr. Annelie Lotriet arrive for the #SONA2025 #ThePeoplesSona2025 pic.twitter.com/VsSdsGCzXb

— eNCA (@eNCA) February 6, 2025

We are ready to receive the President’s State of the Nation Address. President @CyrilRamaphosa’s address will set government’s programme of action. We’re united in implementing government’s programme of action through the Medium-Term Development Plan (MTDP).
#SONA2025 pic.twitter.com/9pkkH6kM1Q

— Minister Maropene Ramokgopa (@MaropeneRamo) February 6, 2025

📸The Imbongi for the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) is the esteemed Xhosa-speaking poet, Inako Mateza. At just 19 years old, Inako has already made her mark as a cultural icon and community leader. 😍 #SONA2025#GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/FSX1ts7vCG

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2025

#SONA2025 | Guests and dignitaries arrive at Cape Town city hall ahead of State of the Nation Address#GovZAUpdates #ServiceDeliveryZA pic.twitter.com/6oceyV6xoF

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2025

On the other side #SONA2025 | Mme Thoko Didiza – Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa and Mme Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane – Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces of South Africa #GovZAUpdates pic.twitter.com/WDdQHil7TZ

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2025

Members of Parliament and guests arriving at the Cape Town City Hall for #SONA2025 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/olwLE6F7tB

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

17:00 Fashion on the Sona 2025 red carpet

Proudly SA – SONA Red Carpet Fashion Show, 06 February 2025 https://t.co/bOqJjIbQun

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

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17:15 Wear Local at Sona

Parliament has partnered with @ProudlySA to support the local fashion industry by encouraging Members of Parliament and guests to wear locally produced attire at SONA. The campaign, “Wear Local at SONA”, aims to elevate the local fashion industry calling on the nation’s leaders… pic.twitter.com/20TKJrFun5

— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 6, 2025

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17:00 The SANDF band entertains guests as they arrive

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Music Band entertains guests ahead of the #SONA2025

During SONA, the SANDF Music Band typically performs a variety of music, including military marches, national anthems, and other ceremonial pieces. #GovZAUpdates… pic.twitter.com/iCE2ToVpRw

— South African Government (@GovernmentZA) February 6, 2025