By Celani Sikhakhane
- Queen Nozizwe laMakhubu, the second wife of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, arrived in an elegant royal blue dress that stood out on the red carpet.
- Women leaders including Mbali Shinga and Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi chose royal blue and navy outfits for the major provincial event in Pietermaritzburg.
Royal blue was the colour that ruled the red carpet in Pietermaritzburg on Friday.
Top women leaders and members of the Zulu royal family stepped out in shades of royal and cobalt blue at the State of the Province Address.
Premier Thami Ntuli delivered the address as politicians, government officials and guests gathered for one of the biggest events on the provincial calendar.
Queen Nozizwe laMakhubu, the second wife of King Misuzulu kaZwelithini, drew attention in a flowing royal blue dress. She walked the red carpet with confidence and style.
Mbali Shinga, the Member of the Executive Council for Social Development, also chose royal blue. Her long dress, with a sweeping tail, turned heads as she made her entrance.
Nomagugu Simelane-Mngadi, the Member of the Executive Council for Health, wore a navy blue suit with a long tail. Her outfit added to the strong blue theme of the evening.
The colour choice marked a clear shift from Thursday’s event. A day earlier, King Misuzulu kaZwelithini opened the KwaZulu-Natal Legislature in the first leg of the provincial government’s two part programme. Traditional attire dominated that ceremony.
Friday’s event had a more modern fashion feel, with bold colours lighting up the venue.
Queen Sihle Mawewe kaMdluli wore a bright violet dress. Hlengiwe Mavimbela, the former Member of the Executive Council for Sports, Arts and Culture in KwaZulu-Natal, arrived in a burgundy outfit.
Thembeni kaMadlopha Mthethwa, the Member of the Executive Council for Agriculture, chose a dark maroon look. Former African National Congress Youth League leader Sizophila Mkhize wore a striking black and gold dress.
The State of the Province Address brings together political leaders, government officials, stakeholders and the media from across the province. It is one of Pietermaritzburg’s biggest social and political gatherings.
Pictured above: Members of the KZN Legislature dressed in royal blue.
Image source: The KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier
