By Cyriel Freijser and Sapa
The departments of education and arts and culture launched a "flag in every school" project on Monday at the AZ Berman Primary School in Mitchell's Plain, Cape Town, with Education Minister Naledi Pandor joined by her counterpart in the ministry of arts and culture, Pallo Jordan.
Pandor said that although the project had been criticised for creating a "fawning, fearful and oppressed" South African youth, it was right to promote familiarity with the country's national symbols.
"Understanding the symbolism of our national flag, our anthem and our coat of arms is part of the process of creating an inclusive democracy," she said.
The primary aim of the project, initiated by the government, was "to cultivate a sense of patriotism". This in its turn will serve the broader goal of unifying the people of South Africa.
The total cost of the project, to be carried by both the public and private sector, is estimated at R52-million.
Pandor said: "We cannot build schools and at the same time leave our society divided. Supplying flags to schools, combined with educating children on our symbols and history, is crucial."
Jordan said knowledge about the flag was part of people's "civic education".
He added that the project should not be misinterpreted as a propaganda project to invoke feelings of nationalism.
"We are not going to force schools into organising a daily morning ceremony around hoisting the flag. But then again, in many countries this is the case, and I am not just talking about Saddam Hussein-style countries."
After the AZ Berman flag raising, the project aims to supply all 29 000 schools across the country with a free flag over the next four years.
"I think you can assume," Jordan quipped, "that I will not be around at all the hand-outs."
The multi-coloured flag was designed by Fred Brownell and was first used on April 27, 1994, in the first election which allowed participation by all South Africans.
The central design, beginning at the flagpost in a V-form and flowing into a single horizontal band to the outer edge of the fly, represents the "convergence of diverse elements within South African society, taking the road ahead in unity".