As South Africa becomes more politically unstable, the idea of Cape Independence is growing in popularity. But what would an independent Cape look like and what would Cape secession mean for the future of the country as a whole?  In this episode of the 'Solutions With David Ansara' podcast I speak to Phil Craig of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group (CIAG) about why he believes complete independence is the only way to save the Cape.   

We discuss recent polling conducted by the CIAG which reveals growing enthusiasm for the idea of Cape secession. Phil believes that the Western Cape's consistent rejection of African Nationalism puts the province at odds with the politics of the rest of the country, and that it would be better off governing its own affairs and not being held hostage to hostile policies emanating out of Pretoria.   

I put it to Phil that secession may risk destabilising South Africa and could lead to a disorderly breakup of the country along racial or ethnic grounds. I state my preference for greater levels of federalism and decentralisation rather than full-blown independence. Phil notes that he is not ideologically opposed to federalism, but is opposed to it on pragmatic grounds.  

We also spend some time towards the end of the conversation reflecting on the lessons from independence movements in other parts of the world, such as Scotland and Catalonia.   

TIMESTAMPS  

(0:00) Intro

RESOURCES  

Cape Independence Advocacy Group website

Helen Zille on surviving wokeness

Richard Wilkinson on federalism in South Africa

VIDEO

Watch this episode on YouTube