PICS: On the red carpet at #SONA2018

Cape Town - The red carpet is one the highlights of the opening of Parliament. MPs and Cabinet ministers usually pull out all the stops when it comes to choosing what they will wear for the president's State of the Nation Address.

This year's SONA is especially significant as it marks the beginning of Cyril Ramaphosa's presidency. Ramaphosa was sworn in on Thursday after Jacob Zuma announced his resignation on Wednesday night.

Every year there is at least one outfit that stands out as "the outfit" of the SONA red carpet and, of course, no event is complete without at least one fashion "fail".

While EFF MPs tradionally wear their trademark red overalls, many other dignitaries favour African-themed outfits and there is no shortage of one-of-a-kind couture creations on display.

Our politicians have had a rough few months so the chance to put on some glad rags and shine comes as a welcome relief.

#SONA2018 Christian Martins and Bev Abrahams among the guests arriving on the red carpet pic.twitter.com/JSoxrcWyBt

— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) February 16, 2018

#SONA2018 ACDP leader Rev. Kenneth Meshoe arrives on the red carpet pic.twitter.com/iGI8twdfEJ

— SA Gov News (@SAgovnews) February 16, 2018