Mr Ramaphosa told a business leaders’ forum on Thursday that Nathi Mthethwa called him to seek advice on how to react to the negative public reaction.

“Of course they are not happy with it. Cancel this thing,’” Mr Ramaphosa told the crowd on what he advised the minister to do, amid laughter.

Local media shared a clip of the president's remarks:

https://twitter.com/eNCA/status/1527387340905119745?s=20&t=QTSf0ahp349pphP996dnbg

On Wednesday, the ministry said it was reviewing the decision to erect the massive flag, which has been criticised by some as a vanity project.

The ministry had earlier confirmed plans to erect the structure, to be known as the South African National Monumental Flag, after getting parliamentary approval.

It said described it as a “symbol of nationhood and common identity".