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From the red carpet to the joint sitting, Sona 2025 in pictures

Below is a selection of images from the State of the Nation Address (Sona), held on 06 February 2025 in Cape Town.
From the red carpet to the joint sitting, Sona 2025 in pictures Red carpet fashion during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Maverick Life Editors
By Maverick Life Editors
7 Feb 2025
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General view ahead of the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
General view ahead of the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Bernice Swarts Deputy Minister of Public Works during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Bernice Swarts Deputy Minister of Public Works during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Guests during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Guests during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
John Steenhuisen Minister of Agriculture during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
John Steenhuisen Minister of Agriculture during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Tokyo Sexwale during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Tokyo Sexwale during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Pemmy Majodina Minister of Water and Sanitation for South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Pemmy Majodina Minister of Water and Sanitation for South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
MK Party during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
MK Party during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Red carpet fashion during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Red carpet fashion during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Siviwe Gwarube (Minister of basic education) during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Siviwe Gwarube (Minister of basic education) during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Guests during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Guests during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Saintes Van Wyk parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Saintes Van Wyk parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Malusi Gigaba during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Malusi Gigaba (L) during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Mr Gezani Eric Kobane during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Mr Gezani Eric Kobane during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg Miss World South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Zoalize Jansen Van Rensburg Miss World South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
The EFF arrives to the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
The EFF arrives to the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
Members of the MK Party dance outside the City Hall before the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Members of the MK Party dance outside the City Hall before the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Patricia DeLille during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Patricia DeLille during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Palesa Mokubung and Partner Fashion Designer Mantsho on the red carpet ahead of the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Palesa Mokubung and Partner Fashion Designer Mantsho on the red carpet ahead of the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Minister of Human Settlements, Thembi Simelane (R) during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Parliamentary guest during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Kenny Kunene during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Kenny Kunene during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) Red Carpet Show at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. It is reported that Proudly South African, the country’s “buy local” movement, teamed up with SONA to celebrate homegrown talent in the fashion industry. (Photo by Gallo Images/Misha Jordaan)
Gayton McKenzie Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Gayton McKenzie Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture of South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa Minister of Electricity during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa Minister of Electricity during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
DA Premier Alan Winde and Minister of finance Enoch Godongwana during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
DA Premier Alan Winde and Minister of finance Enoch Godongwana during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Brenton Geach)
John Hlope of the MK Party after the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
John Hlope of the MK Party after the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
MK Party during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
MK Party during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Cyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Cyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Cyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Cyril Ramaphosa President of South Africa during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
Deputy President Paul Mashatile during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Ziyaad Douglas)
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
SA President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, acting deputy Chief Justice and senior members of the Judiciary in the gallery during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Chief Justice Mandisa Maya, acting deputy Chief Justice and senior members of the Judiciary in the gallery during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Former NCOP Chairperson Amos Masondo and former NA Speaker Baleka Mbete in the gallery during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Former NCOP Chairperson Amos Masondo and former NA Speaker Baleka Mbete in the gallery during the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Members of the MK Party and the EFF remain seated during the singing of the National Anthem before SA President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Members of the MK Party and the EFF remain seated during the singing of the National Anthem before SA President Cyril Ramaphosa delivers the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Fikile Mbalula, ANC Secretary General after the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
Fikile Mbalula, ANC Secretary General after the 2025 State of the Nation Address (SONA) at Cape Town City Hall on February 06, 2025 in Cape Town, South Africa. The address is an annual event, in which the President of South Africa reports on the status of the nation, normally to the resumption of a joint sitting of Parliament (the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces). (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams). DM

Comments

Johan Buys Feb 7, 2025, 11:28 AM

With few exceptions our politicians appear to have a LOT of money for food!

Malcolm McManus Feb 7, 2025, 02:20 PM

And extravagant plus size dresses. Our tax money hard at work covering up the results, feeding at the trough brings.

stalker Feb 7, 2025, 02:50 PM

They're stimulating the local textile industry!!!!!!! It's so inspirational to see such worthies as Malusi Gigaba and David Mahlobo flaunting themselves again. It really makes me want to pay my tax bill.

di61coop Feb 9, 2025, 10:03 AM

Politicians and members of the police force I think are the best fed "entities" in South Africa - I would love to see a woman police officer running after a suspect carrying the bulk that most of them carry.

shirley Feb 7, 2025, 11:53 AM

No words ................... !

nicholasandrewmiles Feb 7, 2025, 12:25 PM

its not a fashion show. spend the money on actual benefits to society. these designer dresses could pay for many emergency meals, it's shameful that ministers being charged with corruption, etc parade for the camera in clothes costing thousands. shameful. dysfunctional depts but flaunt high fashion

frankdarkday Feb 7, 2025, 02:03 PM

Wow! Obesity is real.

Joy Skene Feb 7, 2025, 02:19 PM

So many are obese it’s obscene and unhealthy, not setting a good example!

Andrew Mckenzie Feb 7, 2025, 03:23 PM

Some fine examples of what we call "more luxury".

Rod MacLeod Feb 7, 2025, 03:23 PM

Don't be so rude - they're not fat or obese. Just 21 meals ahead and 12 sh!ts behind.

Feb 7, 2025, 04:12 PM

I thought a sugar tax was in place to try and prevent children becoming obese. I wonder if it's working.

Malcolm McManus Feb 7, 2025, 05:02 PM

Yes, for the average impoverished citizen. Cadres wives, not so much. We need them in the DRC for soldiers to take cover behind.

Una West Feb 9, 2025, 11:07 AM

Excellent idea, maybe Versace can whip up some XXXXXL camouflage togs and Louis Vuitton can provide battlefield handbags. Mess tents can be staffed by Michelin starred chefs.

urbanrenewals1 Feb 7, 2025, 04:32 PM

Read the damned room, to show up in such ridiculous obviously expensive outfits when the govt they represent is literally failing, corruption goes unchecked, SOE's have been bled dry, water, electricity, schooling, healthcare, the whole lot are a mess. They are an embarrassment.....sies!

Una West Feb 9, 2025, 11:09 AM

Greed on so many levels, dreadful.

F E'rich Feb 10, 2025, 11:36 AM

It's not just greed. It also shows a lack of discipline - they don't know when they had enough and should stop eating.

peter49 Feb 7, 2025, 06:16 PM

Obesity rules. That much is clear

David van der Want Feb 7, 2025, 06:34 PM

Feudal in its ostentation, tragic in what it reveals

sanjaykandhai72 Feb 8, 2025, 07:09 AM

I blame us as a nation. We do not stand together and protest against this abuse of power and spending. We seem to just accept. We all need to protest and bring this country to a standstill. Words alone will not work.

sanjaykandhai72 Feb 8, 2025, 07:14 AM

It's Mazing how politicians , who work for the people and paid by people's taxes, can dress up so well, eat so well, have fancy cars and houses, their children to fancy schools yet the people r suffering. We need to ALL stand together and protest. . Pressure needs to b put into the govt.

Vince.bri Feb 8, 2025, 08:31 AM

Well this is the hard working taxpayer's money at work!

Muishond X Feb 8, 2025, 09:41 AM

The pictures appear to be from a weight watchers convention or plus sized model event? These fat people cartoon carricatures are just so revealing of our ANC elite and glitterati. Beyond any reasonable doubt, confirmation that we are up the creek without a paddle.

Barann Feb 9, 2025, 12:38 PM

Politicians who put their paid for privilege & profit above principles and the people they are paid to serve are low class parasites using the taxpayers monies as their personal piggy bank-in other words the snouts in the trough looking for more pearls are grunting and eating just like fat porkies

Lucifer's Consiglieri Feb 8, 2025, 09:56 AM

Clearly, Ozempic and Wegovy are yet to penetrate the SA market.

Lucifer's Consiglieri Feb 8, 2025, 09:58 AM

MK and EFF disrespect the national anthem. Speaks volumes.

Feb 8, 2025, 11:51 AM

Never seen so many fat chicks in my life. What the hell are they eating?

awagema Feb 9, 2025, 09:42 AM

Anything really, as long as it has lots of sugar..

Heather Darby Feb 8, 2025, 12:21 PM

The most noticeable thing about 80% of these people is that they are morbidly obese. Not a good example to be setting to our nation. If fact they look disgusting ?

Feb 8, 2025, 01:55 PM

One thing one can say about Malusi Gigaba is that he keeps himself in excellent shape and dresses very smartly without much ostentation …he appears rather lonely in this regard amongst his peers. Sadly, the Zondo commission showed he then joins many of his peers in all kinds of malfeasance.

Cobus Elstadt Feb 8, 2025, 09:17 PM

This reminds me of Nero playing the fiddle....

patrick.eley Feb 9, 2025, 12:45 PM

Wonderful to see all the endomorphic ladies embracing an ethnic dress code and snubbing a colonial and western influence .

steync Feb 9, 2025, 03:54 PM

One of my previous commanders in the South African Air Force on a work session reminded us that to be a good leader you must set the example with good body, mind and soul! I think few of these qualify for any three. My serious opinion!

matth Feb 9, 2025, 04:44 PM

Mocking-jy! “Panaf today, panaf tomorrow, panaf forever”

Roodepoort Rocker Feb 10, 2025, 05:36 AM

Disgrace how their public display of wealth is portrayed. It's sickening for public figures to show off and brag as if they are celebs. They are not and they eat too much while the voters are hungry.

molyone Feb 10, 2025, 10:28 AM

At least the EFF were frugal in spending on their outfits !!!!