Cape Town – The Department of Arts and Culture’s plan to spend R22 million on a national monument flag project is reportedly set to be referred to the Cabinet for further discussion.
According to IOL, Minister Nathi Mthethwa said in a response to a parliamentary question from Democratic Alliance (DA) Member of Parliament (MP) Denis Joseph this week, that the decision was made “in light of the fact that one of the department’s key mandates is to promote nation-building and social cohesion”.
Mthethwa announced in May that his department planned to install a massive flag as a national landmark and tourist attraction.
The flag was expected to cost R17 million to install, with geotechnical studies costing R5 million.
South Africans were not impressed by the idea, resulting in Mthethwa saying that the decision would be reviewed.
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The plan was slammed by political parties and unions, including the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu), who called it absurd, pointless, senseless, and ridiculous. as absurd, pointless, senseless and ridiculous.
Following the public outcry, the Minister sought advice from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Ramaphosa advised Mthethwa to abandon the project.
Mthethwa initially defended the plan, telling eNCA that the massive flag would provide “continuous education” and “outlive us”.
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Compiled by Sinothando Siyolo
