Pomp and finery at Parliament

2008-02-08 13:15

Verashni Pillay

Cape Town - The mood was one of expectation outside Parliament on Friday morning, as politicians said they looked forward to hearing Mbeki address the energy crisis and other problems in his State of the Nation address.

"We expect that he will reassure as a nation and restore our confidence," Independent Democrats leader, Patricia de Lille told News24 outside Parliament. "I am in an upbeat mood today."

Democratic Alliance leader, Helen Zille said she hoped that "President Mbeki will be a statesman and not just a politician.

"I'm hoping he will speak as the president of the country and not just as the ex-leader of the ANC," she said.

Designer gear

Cameras flashed to capture Zille's vibrant red and purple silk Jenni Button dress, from the designer's Philosophy Range.

The event has traditionally seen politicians turn out in their finest, and this year was no exception.

African Christian Democratic Party leader, Reverend Kenneth Meshoe and his wife Lydia wore matching gold outfits, by a designer called Nandipha from Johannesburg.

"The most important thing for us is that the Scorpions won't be disbanded," Meshoe said. "The SAPS is failing dismally in fighting crime, especially organised crime."

Unlike last year's bout of rain, the weather was sunny and clear as dignitaries walked down the red carpet into Parliament to the beat of an African drumming ensemble.

ANC MP and Deputy Minister of Social Development, Dr Jean Swanson-Jacobs, arrived with her husband in an outfit by a Congolese designer, while vice-president of the South African Football Association Mwelo Nonkonyana, just back from Ghana, wore a traditional outfit.

Deputy Minister of Correctional Services, Loretta Jacobus, wowed the crowds with her maroon polka-dot dress, made by David Tlara in Rosebank.

IFP leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi, looked distinguished in his black Nehru suit. "I think I've been too long in politics to panic because of the atmosphere in the country,' he remarked dryly in answer to reporters' questions.

The chairperson of Parliament's portfolio committee on correctional services, Dennis Bloem, seemed to agree. "Each and every year the President is very good and I expect the same this year."

- News24