Guests and Members of Parliament have used the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to tell a story far deeper than fabric and thread and instead used the occasion to tell a story of growth and ambition.
“I believe that I must look nice like this, but most importantly, our designers get an opportunity not only to showcase their work, but to create jobs,” said Small Business Development Minister Stella Ndabeni as she stepped onto the State of the Nation Address (SONA) red carpet with confidence.
Using the glamour of the evening as a platform, the Minister championed local entrepreneurs and designers, reminding onlookers that every stitch can stimulate the economy.
Her ensemble was crafted by a local designer. Subtle branding details and distinctive design elements quietly reinforced her call to action.
“South Africans should stop overlooking homegrown talent. Local designers are not out of reach. They may not carry global luxury logos, but they carry something far more valuable, the ability to grow the economy and create employment,” Ndabeni said.
The red carpet became a runway of advocacy. Contemporary African prints merged tradition with modern sophistication. Each carefully styled look was a nod to a thriving creative industry that fuels small businesses across the country, from seamstresses and textile producers to stylists and makeup artists.
Ndabeni also reflected on the substance behind the red carpet. Inside the chamber of the Cape Town City Hall, President Cyril Ramaphosa would account for commitments made in the previous year and outline plans for the months ahead.
Small businesses, she noted, are eager to hear how economic redistribution efforts are progressing and what infrastructure developments will enable entrepreneurs to trade more efficiently, wherever they are.
But before the speeches and policy outlines, there was the glow of the carpet — and the unmistakable aura of empowerment.
Final touches mattered. The Minister’s designer “Boss Lady” energy defined the night’s bold, assured, and unapologetic looks. Hair styled to perfection by John crowned many of the evening’s standout looks sculpting confidence into every silhouette that passed before the cameras. – SAnews.gov.za
