SONA fashion fiascos: the outfits that stole the show (for all the wrong reasons)
Fashion undeniably becomes a talking point at the State of the Nation Address (SONA), one of South Africa's most prestigious events, despite its primarily political focus.
Let’s take a look at some of the most talked about fashion choices at SONA over the years.
Thandile Sunduza
ANC MP Thandile Sunduza made headlines for her bright green - or was it lime? - boobtube dress at SONA 2014. While the intention may have been to make a statement, the execution fell flat.
The dress, which featured an ill-fitting silhouette, was widely criticised, with some comparing it to a squashed caterpillar.
Social media had a field day, likening the look to Heimlich, the chubby green caterpillar from the movie “A Bug’s Life”.
And let’s not even get started on those shoes. The entire outfit lacked the elegance expected for such a high-profile event and, frankly, looked more like a towel hastily thrown on post-shower. Yikes.
Babalwa Mneno
Model and socialite Babalwa Mneno stepped onto the red carpet in 2020 in a ruffled yellow dress cinched with a Versace belt, but the look did not land well with the fashion police.
Critics felt the layers overwhelmed her figure rather than complementing it. Some described it as “too much fabric, too little finesse,” while others compared it to a deconstructed wedding cake.
There was a lot happening with this look, too much, in fact. The ruffles, the dramatic sleeves, the excessive fabric, it was all a visual overload that left people dizzy just looking at it.
Lindiwe Mazibuko
Lindiwe Mazibuko's choice of clothing at the 2013 SONA certainly raised eyebrows. Many reports and social media reactions described her outfit as a striking, bridal-inspired white dress that didn’t quite match the occasion.
We heard wedding bells though.
The dress was a floor-length, structured gown with voluminous details and a plunging neckline, which gave off major "wedding day" vibes.
It was almost as if she had walked straight off a bridal runway and into parliament, turning the usual SONA dress code on its head.
It was seen as a fashion risk that didn’t quite pay off, and the choice remained a topic of conversation for years. I mean, we’re still talking about it today.
Hellen Zille
While this look wasn’t too bad or outrageous it was certainly talked about on the streets.
Helen Zille’s 2015 SONA look was all about making a statement but it didn’t land the way most people expected.
As the Western Cape Premier and leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA), Zille decided to break away from the usual glamour and shine of the red carpet by opting for an all-black ensemble.
The move wasn’t just about the outfit - it was a political statement, reflecting her party's boycott of the "red carpet" and the formalities surrounding the event.
That said, while the political boycott was the main motivation, it's true that her outfit didn’t exactly wow fashion critics. In a sea of vibrant colours and show-stopping dresses, her all-black look felt rather understated.
While it wasn’t as outrageous as some of the other looks, there was a certain lack of vibrancy, and some people felt it didn't fit the high-profile occasion where fashion often takes centre stage alongside the speeches.
EFF Party
The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) made a bold and unforgettable statement at the 2015 SONA by swapping formal attire for their signature bright red jumpsuits.
Known for their revolutionary stance, the EFF's uniforms symbolised unity and defiance, sending a strong message of resistance against the establishment.
But at an event where glamour and high fashion typically reign, their outfit choice was anything but conventional.
Social media was quick to react with some applauding the EFF's audacity while others mocked the move. Supporters saw the red jumpsuits as a powerful political statement, signalling that the party was not going to conform to the usual norms.
On the other hand, critics felt the look was too disruptive, with the EFF standing out far too much in comparison to the more traditional attire of the day.
The internet was flooded with memes, comparing the EFF to superheroes and even Power Rangers, highlighting just how much they stood apart from everyone else.
Ultimately, the EFF’s SONA fashion moment was about making sure they weren’t overlooked, and judging by the online frenzy, they certainly succeeded.
