Sona 2026: Low energy, mild fashion – a night to remember (or not)

The State of the Nation (Sona) address might be one of the biggest nights on the political calendar, but this year, the vibe was definitely giving low attendance, low energy and very little drama.

It wasn’t one of those iconic “Parliament is alive” moments. Instead, it felt like a toned-down affair with more cameras than guests.

Still, even with the room not as packed as usual, the fashion did manage to bring some sort of excitement. What stood out immediately was the colour.

The looks were bright, bold and popping, which honestly matched the weather perfectly because the sun was shining like it had its own invitation to Sona.

Nobukhosi Mukwevho, the creative director and the founder of the women’s fashion brand Khosi Nkosi, understood the assignment for the red carpet, wearing a bright multi-coloured gown, which was anchored in a bright yellow hue, with splashes of blue, red and green.

Mukwevho styled the boob tube dress with flair detailing with a matching cropped jacket. Yass Queen!

This year’s Sona fashion wasn’t necessarily overflowing with jaw-dropping moments, but there were definitely a few standout looks that reminded everyone that South Africans know how to dress when it matters.

Some outfits leaned into traditional-inspired details, while others kept things modern with clean tailoring and structured silhouettes.

Papa Penny (Eric Kulani Giyani Nkovani) turned heads in a navy and gold suit, but his shoes stole the spotlight once again.

Just like last year, his bold gold footwear became a red carpet sensation alongside Kenny Kunene’s Versace loafers. Known for his flamboyant style, Penny’s eye-catching shoes have become a signature, proving that his love for statement footwear is trendworthy.

The tailored suits were especially strong. Sharp blazers, fitted dresses, and polished two-piece sets gave a sense of authority without trying too hard. Accessories also played their part, with statement earrings and classy clutches making sure the looks were fully put together.

There was also a noticeable appreciation for locally inspired fashion, textured fabrics, beadwork and prints that felt proudly African without being overly dramatic.

Rethabile Lethoko-Ncwana was serving absolute elegance on the red carpet. Her ensemble looked like it was made just for her, and she did not disappoint in this multi-coloured brown masterpiece. With bold patterns and sparkling sequins, it gave us pure African chic.

Meanwhile, Thami Dish, activist and founder of the Feather Awards, served an all-white ensemble - gown meets suit - with an open-shoulder twist and a matching hat. The whole vibe screamed royal wedding energy, and we were totes here for it. 

Even though the event itself didn’t feel as grand as usual, the fashion still reminded us that SONA remains one of the few nights where South Africans can show up and represent the country’s style identity.

It feels like the hype around events like Sona has died down completely and not just on a fashion level, but across the board.

Politically, the country is tired. People are over the speeches, the staged smiles, the rehearsed “we hear you” lines, and the same empty promises that never seem to translate into real change.

At this point, many South Africans just aren’t invested in the spectacle anymore; real life is too heavy.

Take, for example, the students standing across the road while the Navy band played Tyla’s "Water," suitcases in hand, protesting because they literally had nowhere to sleep. That bleak contrast between the pomp inside and the struggle outside is exactly why so many are exhausted with it all.

And to make matters even more intense, we’re living in a time where everything is being exposed. Globally and locally, people are watching leaders more closely, questioning everything, and refusing to ignore the red flags the way society used to.

The blind loyalty is fading. The patience is fading, too. South Africans are no longer impressed by grand announcements if the reality on the ground is still the same.

That shift in mood was definitely reflected in the atmosphere at Sona. The energy was minor. The crowd felt small. And even the fashion, which is usually the one thing guaranteed to bring entertainment, felt surprisingly mild this year.

It looked like many people just went straight to the “evening wear” section of their closets. No risks. No real creativity. No dramatic statements.

And that’s what made it feel different from previous years, where the fashion used to be a whole spectacle. There was a time when the outfits were bold enough to trend for days.

We’ve seen everything from dramatic traditional-inspired pieces with headwraps and beadwork, to bright colours that demanded attention, to questionable fashion choices that were so chaotic they became iconic.

Even the worst-dressed used to give us something to talk about, the kind of looks that had South Africans laughing, debating, and dragging in the group chats.

So, no, Sona wasn’t a full-on fashion spectacle this year. The crowd was small, and the energy was mild.