By: Natasha Archary
“Haibo Naledi!” trends as South African TikTokers roast the International Relations and Cooperation Minister’s Buckingham Palace attire.
Not only did Dr. Naledi Pandor walk the red carpet at Buckingham Palace in plain black pumps but her dress code did not fit with the expressly stately formal theme.
With the British royal family setting the tone for the state visit, welcoming SA’s President and other Ministers in strictly formal wear, Pandor turned up in flat pumps and a basic two-piece.
In a video that has been shared by the Royal Family’s supporters, Pandor’s disregard for a more suitable outfit did not go unnoticed.
TikTokers wasted no time in roasting their Minister for not making more of an effort with her fits and flooded the comments section with heavy criticism.
“Haibo Naledi! Did you really go to Miladys for that fit?”
“Not the Pep pumps on the red carpet at Buckingham Palace!”
“Just when you thought you’ve seen it all! Like seriously Naledi, Pep is not the only store in SA you know!”
@royalfamilysupporters King Charles and Queen Camilla with the President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa and The Prince and Princess of Wales arriving at Buckingham Palace today 👑
But it wasn’t just Naledi Pandor’s arrival outfit to the Palace that sparked a social media frenzy, her outdated dress to the State Banquet did not impress South Africans either.
While the Queen Consort and Princess of Wales wore elegant ball gowns, Naledi Pandor was picked apart for wearing what some called her ‘gran’s curtains’ on the night.
The unflattering peach satin and lace dress was not even accessorised with jewellery and yes, Pandor rocked her flat pumps to dinner too.
Ramaphosa’s wife was supposed to accompany him on the state visit to the UK, however, as reported by the Guardian, the First Lady of SA had recently undergone eye surgery and was unable to make the trip.
As a result the President was accompanied by Pandor; Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation, Dr Blade Nzimande; Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition Ebrahim Patel and Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla.
"South Africa, like the Commonwealth, has always been a part of my life… It is therefore particularly moving and special that you are our guest on this, the first State Visit we have hosted."
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) November 23, 2022
His Majesty The King delivers a speech at the State Banquet of the #UKSAStateVisit. pic.twitter.com/mB0JOn5mFk
Also read:WOW! King Charles III greets Cyril ‘Ramafoza’ in vernac



