Fashion express hits parliament

There was a burst colour inside the parliamentary precinct on Thursday afternoon when MPs dressed to the nines arrived ahead of President Jacob Zuma's eighth state-of-the-nation address.

Many MPs opted for traditional African wear and colours, while others came adorned in ornately-beaded chiffon or feathered dresses.

Dressed in black and white and wearing tags marked "high security", they confirmed they were from the anti-riot unit.

Earlier, photographers flocked to the entrance of the National Assembly, where a statue of Walter and Albertina Sisulu made its debut.

The bronze statue depicts the Sisulus holding hands and waving, as they often did when pictured together.

Unlike the large bust of former president Nelson Mandela just metres away, which is crafted solely in bronze, the Sisulus are shown in colourful garb.

Zuma will arrive in Parliament Street after 6pm, following a cavalcade through the city's streets, which have been cordoned off by the police.

Traffic was at a standstill in many roads in the Cape Town CBD as vehicles were diverted away from the parliamentary precinct.