Phil Craig on Cape Independence

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

(0:28) What is the Cape Independence Advocacy Group?

(2:39) Why Cape Independence is necessary

(4:57) What citizens of the Cape think of Independence

(7:06) Polling methodology

(10:04) How political parties are responding to Cape Independence

(14:42) Responds to concerns about the break-up of South Africa

(18:40) Non-racialism and the Cape Liberal Tradition

(22:08) The policies of an Independent Cape

(24:58) The proposed border between the Cape and South Africa

(26:26) What happens if Pretoria refuses to acknowledge Cape Independence

(30:24) International examples of independence movements

(34:33) Lessons from the European Union

(36:54) Next steps for the Cape Independence Advocacy Group

(39:40) The difference between federalism and Cape Independence

(44:48) Conclusion  

RESOURCES  

Cape Independence Advocacy Group website



Cape Independence Polling Results (August 2021)



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VIDEO

Watch this episode on YouTube