By: Natasha Archary
Plans for the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture to move ahead with its R22 million monumental flag project is moving ahead.
The project was approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa’s cabinet on 24 February as part of the department’s mandate to promote nation-building and social cohesion.
Set to become a national landmark and tourist attraction, the flag will serve as an expression of identity and pride.
In its 2022/23 annual performance plan, the department said the monumental flag will be more than 100m tall.
To the average South African, this still doesn’t add up to the inconceivable R22 million budget that has been set aside to erect the flag.
However, the department said, “Monumental flags are installed by countries to express their identity and pride. The flag, as the brand image of the country, needs to be highly recognised by its citizens. This has the potential to unite people as it becomes a symbol of unity and common identity.”
As reported by Business Tech, the R22 million budget has been motivated for as follows:
- R5 million for the site-specific geotechnical studies, including the environmental impact assessment and other tests and applications
- R17 million for the installation of the monumental flag
The budget breakdown will be allocated in parts, over 2-years with the first R5 million being paid for during the 2022/23 financial year.
South Africans are in disbelief that government plans on splurging millions to put up a flag when the budget could be put to better use to alleviate some of the countries burdens.
With the KZN floods that hit the country last month, there are still residents without water and electricity with no end in sight.
Relief aid is not being prioritised and communities are having to rely on community groups and good samaritans for basic necessities.
This despite government assuring those affected that there is an allocated fund to assist them to rebuild what was lost in the disaster.
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