Minister Nathi Mthethwa said the planned R22 million South African Flag project was for raising the foundational principles of the country’s democracy as enshrined in the constitution. Twitter reacted.

@PetersWonderboy

I just wish Nathi Mthethwa would just drop the flag project. It is not a priority. Society may be kind in such humility and will think maybe the Minister was ill advised. He should stop defending the indefensible. The timing is just so wrong: floods, covid and hunger. @Sinawo_Thambo

Watching Nathi Mthethwa struggle to justify R22 million for a steel pole and a flag was difficult. He must walk amongst us, socialise and explain how a pole and a flag will unite us with land thieves, inspire unemployed and poverty stricken people.

@PrinceNdamase

Deployment can really misplace and make a mockery of good comrades. Listening to Nathi Mthethwa arguing for this R22m Flag project is painful. Even good initiatives require deep political reflection, thought and buy-in. They must consider the socio-economic reality.

@mmodiba10

You can’t pay R22 million when artists are struggling, dying and failing to make ends meet. SA artists have to beg the minister for what’s rightfully theirs. Nathi Mthethwa must read the room. I would rather have artists live well and longer than have a flag to outlive them.

@i_sephara

Most townships (where millions of South Africans live) do not have museums to celebrate their deep history, deep origins of their arts, history, storytelling and culture. Instead, Nathi Mthethwa and his entire department approve a tall, R22 million flag.

@FinalBoss300

The same people attacking Nathi Mthethwa are the same celebrating Shawn Mkhize’s grandchild. That is why I stand with Nathi Mthetwa, because some of you are only mad at corruption when it does not benefit you, but when it does with your faves, you celebrate it.

@Eraerror

South African politicians know very well that we are going to make noise about their shortcomings on Twitter then by a week or 2 we will forget about everything until a new ‘scandal’ rock us again. We are one tolerant nation.

@andiswamosetlhi

NathiMthethwaSA was giving us the steel industry’s economic outlook. The industry will experience high domestic demand. Methinks we should replicate this model, if an entire industry can boom from one flag, imagine 10 more flags! The great multiplier.

@AneleMda

The reckless manner which our artists were treated by Mthethwa regarding covid relief funds was despicable and lacked all human consideration. Artists slept at SANAC offices but met with brazen arrogance from the board, yet today there is R22m for a flag.

@ecekeni

My worry is not the money spent on the flag but, for me, it seems South Africa is still in transition – what if we change this flag in the near future? Currently there are strong voices calling for change in the national anthem, what if those voices go to the flag as well?