Cape Independence momentum grows: Disparate groups unite after Washington support as SA chaos grows

Despite being the focus of a concerted campaign to eject him from the country, Western Cape Independence protagonist Phil Craig is continuing his fight to get the province out of the country tacked together in 1910 by a colonial power. In this interview with BizNews editor Alec Hogg, the co-founder of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group explains how a five-week working trip to the US - and continued own-goals by Pretoria - has injected fresh momentum into the project..Sign up for your early morning brew of the BizNews Insider to keep you up to speed with the content that matters. The newsletter will land in your inbox at 5:30am weekdays. Register here.Support South Africa’s bastion of independent journalism, offering balanced insights on investments, business, and the political economy, by joining BizNews Premium. Register here.If you prefer WhatsApp for updates, sign up to the BizNews channel here..Watch here.Listen here.BizNews Reporter.In a wide-ranging and candid interview, Phil Craig, co-founder of the Cape Independence Advocacy Group and leader of the Referendum Party, shared updates on the growing momentum for Cape independence. Speaking with Alec Hogg of BizNews, Craig detailed the political climate in South Africa, the disillusionment with the Democratic Alliance (DA), and the steps now being taken to hold a private referendum in the Western Cape.Craig acknowledged that the idea of Cape independence has been around since 2007 but stressed that recent political turbulence has accelerated public support. “We’ve had to be patient,” Craig noted, citing the collapse of the Multi-Party Charter and the increasing disconnect between Western Cape voters and national policy decisions. For over 30 years, he pointed out, the Western Cape has consistently voted differently from the rest of the country, yet continues to be governed by a central government it did not elect.One of Craig’s key criticisms focused on the DA’s failure to follow through on its promises. He accused DA leader John Steenhuisen of reneging on an agreement to hold a referendum on Cape independence and noted that the party has failed to table an autonomy bill, despite pledging to do so on the first day of joining the Government of National Unity.Craig was particularly critical of Western Cape Premier Alan Winde, arguing that Winde’s insistence that “we are South Africans first” stands in opposition to the best interests of Western Cape residents. According to Craig, Winde should either advocate for more autonomy or step aside. “If he wants to lead the Western Cape, he should act in the best interests of its people,” he argued.With the DA unwilling to act, Craig and his allies are now planning to move forward independently. A private referendum is being prepared for 2026 or 2027, aimed at polling all 3.2 million registered voters in the Western Cape. Craig cited the example of Veneto in Italy, where a privately organised referendum ultimately led to increased regional autonomy.“We’re not going to beg the DA anymore. We’re just going to do it ourselves,” he declared.Internationally, interest in the Cape independence cause is also growing. Craig recently spent five weeks in Washington, D.C., engaging with US think tanks, government figures, and policy experts. While the US government is unlikely to express public support at this stage, Craig is confident that the ideological alignment is strong. “If we do the hard work and deliver the referendum result, the US will support us in a heartbeat,” he said.A current US delegation - comprising businesspeople and political figures - is visiting the Western Cape to discuss the independence movement, underlining the international community’s growing attention.Despite these developments, Craig emphasised the movement’s commitment to democratic and peaceful processes. He dismissed speculation around military intervention, reaffirming that their goal is to achieve independence within the bounds of the South African constitution. However, he acknowledged the risk of unrest and instability, particularly given recent events involving South Africa’s Defence Force and high-ranking police officials.Throughout the interview, Craig remained firm in his conviction that Cape independence offers a viable solution to South Africa’s governance crisis. By allowing the Western Cape to govern itself according to the democratic will of its residents, he believes the region can avoid the consequences of national dysfunction.As the movement gains cohesion - bringing together groups like Cape Exit and the Cape Independence Party - Craig sees growing unity as a key indicator that the idea’s time has come. “Ultimately, South Africa cannot

Cape Independence momentum grows: Disparate groups unite after Washington support as SA chaos grows

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