The controversial R22m national flag project at Freedom Park in Pretoria is not off the table yet. Cabinet's decision to erect a monumental flag and the review of the project as proposed will be referred to Cabinet for further discussion and a final decision, News24 reports.

This is according to Sport, Arts & Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa, who has detailed the process going forward following the government's decision to review the project.

Mthethwa was responding to a written parliamentary question from DA MP Denis Joseph.

‘Cabinet's decision to erect a monumental flag and the review of the project as proposed will be referred to Cabinet for further discussion and final decision; this is in light of the fact that one of the key mandates of the department is to promote nation-building and social cohesion. National symbols, especially the national flag, express the country's common identity, which is pivotal to building a common national identity and advancing unity,’ Mthethwa said.

The report notes that he came under fire for the project that was described as a waste of money and insensitive to the number of struggling artists in SA.

Following the uproar, President Cyril Ramaphosa told Mthethwa to cancel the project.

Full News24 report