Question NW2135 to the President of the Republic
23 June 2022 - NW2135
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
With reference to the announcement by the Minister in The Presidency, Mr Mondli Gungubele, that Cabinet approved the R22 million flag project in February 2022, (a) what was Cabinet’s justification for spending public money on the non-essential project when millions of South Africans are going hungry, (b) how did Cabinet process the public outrage toward the project and (c) what other non-essential projects have been approved by Cabinet for the 2022-23 financial year?
Reply:
The promotion of national symbols and the construction of monuments are important for building a common identity and advancing national unity.
The flag project, as with all programmes of government departments, is informed by the Medium-Term Strategic Framework (MTSF), which is itself based on the electoral mandate of this administration. These programmes are reflected in departmental budget votes, which are extensively debated in Parliament.
In view of the current fiscal pressures and public concern, the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture directed his department to review the flag project.
Government will continue to work to ensure that its programmes and associated expenditure are informed by the priorities of the MTSF and the broader interests of the country.