best and worst dressed Sona 2026

SIVIWE GWARUBE

Taking on an elevated workwear look, Siviwe Gwarube understood what the mission was on the Sona red carpet. The pinstriped dress is nipped at the waist, giving the formal fabric a chic flair. Paired appropriately with a middle part bob and thick framed cats-eye spectacles that complement the sharp lines of the all work and play dress, this is how you rock up at parliament’s doorstep with stellar results.

NONCEBA MHLAULI

Never one to shy away from embracing cultural pieces on the job, Mhlauli went for a Zulu-inspired regalia featuring beloved pieces that represent the best of Southern African embellishments with cowrie shells and seed beads.

THAMI DISH

While many might have joked that his look seems better suited for a wedding, it’s really the symbolism that makes this by far the best in his repertoire. The red carpet host typically goes for larger-than-life silhouettes with sweeping trains or maxi skirts and this year was no exception. Blurring gender lines, Dish opted for an all-white suit with dramatic shirt and train combo, the latter serving (no pun intended) as a pledge on which attendees swore to wear local. With the promise that it might be auctioned off in support of local fashion artisans, this is by far the most considered decision made in honour of South Africa’s often neglected designers.

PEACE MABE

Blending the geometric patterning of Xhosa print, vibrant Sotho shweshwe print and East Asian flourishes, Mabe was a canvas showcasing the kaleidoscopic symbol of South Africa’s diversity. The vibrant colours work best on her full figure that came alive as she moved in interviews, making it the most telegenic outfit of the day.

WORST

BERNICE SWARTS

In what is best suited for a Bridgerton meets Star Wars episode, Swarts was miscast in her role as a representative of parliament. Decked in a reflective metallic fabric and dozens of pearls, the opulent Elizabethan gown makes her ready to yell “Let them eat cake” a la Marie Antoinette, or at the very least hoping to wish the latest entrants of the Hunger Games a year where the odds will ever be in their favour.

STELLA NDABENI-ABRAHAMS

Yes, South African cultures are detailed with exaggerated cuts and embellishments. However, many an attendee seemed lost on whether this was a day at the Met or their chance to shine as the belle of a glitzy ball. The small business development minister seemed hungry for a time-travel trip back to the Edwardian era of veils and gowns while still embracing the colours and patterns found in Mzansi. Is it a mix worth making? Yes? Did it work? Not with the clashing concepts attempted.

SINAZO MASINA

In the wise words of Aretha Franklin commenting on the vocal abilities of Taylor Swift, “beautiful gowns”. Masina leaves little to be desired while wearing local but not quite understanding that it is not a night at her matric dance. The gown hugs her body beautifully and the dreamy ocean wave details are a splendour, but it’s not the right fit for a guest to the most important sitting to kick off the year in government.