Parliament members and guests attending SoNA embraced the invitation to wear local attire, adding a touch of elegance that mirrored the beauty of South Africa. Proudly SA aims to cultivate a sense of local pride among all South Africans, to support the local economy and contribute positively to its growth by keeping the rand circulating within the country.
Hosted by Thami Dish who is a media personality, the #SONA2024 red carpet produced hope and admiration for the South African Retail-Clothing, Textile, Footwear, and Leather sector and Proudly SA commends all the members of parliament and guests who honoured the call for them to wear local.
‘We are pleased that some members of parliament and guests demonstrated patriotism by wearing local as they hailed the national call at this year’s SoNA. Through the SoNA event, Proudly SA has re-iterated the impact fashion has in our everyday lives. Not only does fashion ensure that we look & feel good, but most importantly, it is also an industry that sustains livelihoods.” said Happy MaKhumalo Ngidi, CMO at Proudly South African.
Minister of Social Development, Lindiwe Zulu, Minister of Human Settlement, Mmakoloko Kubayi, Public Protector, Kholeka Gcaleka, ANCYL President, Malatjie Collen, Miss World SA, Dr Claude Mashego, Carol Bouwer, and Ntombi Mekwe who is a member of parliament are amongst the guests who showed up in their stunning local wear. Minister Patricia De Lille also rocked up in a colourful locally made outfit and so did the Premier of the Western Cape, Alan Winde and his Wife. ANC Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane, General Bantu Holomisa who bragged that he always wears local, also heeded the call. Minister Pinky Kekana rocked up in a stunning outfit courtesy of one of our Designer Judges Biji La Maison, to mention but a few.
The restoration and recovery of the sector lie in the hands of every South African. Proudly SA stresses the role of individual purchasing power in supporting locally made products. The positive ripple effects are not limited to product owners but also extend to the livelihoods behind the scenes and the surrounding communities.
Proudly SA is confident that it’s call to action will grow in leaps and bounds, not only at the next State of the Nation Address, but it will be more of a lifestyle, concludes Ngidi.
