The Monumental Flag Disaster

The R22 million flag – in case you missed the story

The Department of Sport, Arts and Culture recently announced its plans to spend R22 million to build a 100m flagpole at Freedom Park in Pretoria. The Minister, Nathi Mthethwa, went on national television to defend this decision, calling the flag a symbol of unity and a tourist attraction. He also justified the costs stating that it will be lit up at night as “the education has to be continuous”; the flag and the pole are large; they will use a very large amount of steel; and large cranes need to be used to erect the pole. He also stated that the flagpole will outlive us all.  

How did the people respond to the announcement?

Simply stated, twitter lit up like a Christmas tree when the announcement was made. People from all walks of life voiced their opinions but almost everyone seemed to feel the same about the project – it is utterly ridiculous; it is overpriced; it seems like someone “is eating” (meaning that it is someone’s turn to profit and gain financially from this project); it is an insult to the people; and a complete waste of money in a time when people are going to bed hungry, infrastructure is collapsing etc. If you go by the departments defense that the above-mentioned problems do not fall within its portfolio, then the argument can still be made that artists are suffering; other tourists attractions such as Robben Island, Kruger National Park, heritage routes in Soweto etc. could benefit more constructively from these funds. As for the defense suggesting it is an educational tool – well how about erecting flags at schools and universities and educating scholars about the flag at a fraction of the cost. Doesn’t that make more sense?

So, people spoke out, everyone voiced their objections, raised criticism and reasons as to why this is a very bad idea. Despite our love for the flag and what it symbolizes, a R22 million-rand flagpole is a very bad idea for so many reasons.

What has been the outcome of the people’s outcry?

What has been the outcome of the people’s outcry? 

After initially defending the project with ridiculous and illogical reasoning, the Department then stated that the project will be “reviewed”. The President later (laughingly) commented at the Black Business Council meeting that he told the Minister to “Cancel this thing” citing the fact that “of course they [the people] are not happy”. Whilst this flag disaster has yet again highlighted the fact that Goverment is completely out of touch with its citizens and their needs, at least the outcry had the desired effect. The flag project seems to be cancelled (for now), ordinary citizen’s comments raised more criticism of the ANC, its vanity (and possible backhands) and its wasteful expenditure. It highlighted the fact that Government’s priorities are distorted, and it lacks concern for the people. Ironically, whilst the Minister stated that the flagpole would be “deepening social cohesion in our country”, it seems that the criticism it raised has deepened our social cohesion much more, as people from all walks of life, all political parties, and groups have united in their consensus that this was a very bad idea.

So, what has this outcry proved? Well, that our words do count; that our voices can be heard; and if we are not heard, that we do have the power to expose and vote those out of power that do not have our interests at heart.

Media Statement by the Department

_{Media Statement dated 19th May 2022 by Ministry: Sport, Arts and Culture, RSA.}

So What?